Founding member of Earth Wind & Fire Maurice White has passed away at the age of 74.
Dying in his sleep on Thursday morning, TMZ reports his death followed a lengthy battle with Parkinson’s disease which White was diagnosed with in the early ’90s.
Best known for hits like September and Boogie Wonderland, Earth Wind & Fire were perhaps the most iconic and well known funk band of all time. Inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2000 the impact they had on popular music was immense.
White himself was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame six years ago, although he had stopped touring with the band in 1994. Despite no longer touring, White had remained involved in decisions regarding the band up until his condition worsened in the months leading up to his passing.
He joins the sadly long list of legends lost so far over the last few months including David Bowie, Lemmy Kilmister of Motörhead and Glenn Frey from The Eagles.
Watch: Earth, Wind & Fire – September
BREAKING: Maurice White, founder of Earth, Wind & Fire, has died at age 74.
— The Associated Press (@AP) February 4, 2016
