Photo by Chris Hakkens
Maurice White, founder, songwriter, producer, and co-lead singer for Earth, Wind & Fire, has passed away. Born in Memphis, Tennessee, in 1941, Maurice formed his first band with Booker T Jones as a child. In his teens, he moved to Chicago, where he attended the Chicago Conservatory of Music and played drums on sessions for Chess Records for such artists as Etta James, Muddy Waters, Buddy Guy, and many more. As a member of the Ramsey Lewis Trio he played on nine of the group’s albums, winning his first Grammy for “Hold It Right There” in 1966. In 1969 he formed a songwriting team with Wade Flemons and Don Whitehead and achieved success writing music for ads and also earning a recording contract with Capitol Records as the Salty Peppers. They had one hit single, “La La Time.”
He relocated to Los Angeles and renamed the group “Earth, Wind & Fire,” taking the name from his astrological chart. Two of his brothers, founding member Verdine White (bass and backing vocals, and Fred White (drums and percussion) were also involved in the group. Maurice led and produced the group, and shared lead vocal duties with Philip Bailey. EWF achieved massive success, eventually earning six Grammy Awards and 21 Grammy nominations, as well as induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, the Vocal Group Hall of Fame, The Songwriters Hall of Fame, The NAACP Image Awards Hall of Fame, and numerous other honors and awards.
In 1985, White released a solo album, resulting in the hit “I Need You.” After being diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease in the late ’80s, White retired from the road, but continued guiding, producing, and writing for EWF, as well as producing and writing for other artists.
Our condolences to Maurice’s family, friends, and fans.
