Earth, Wind & Fire drummer Fred White has died on the age of 67.
White’s brother and bandmate, Verdine, shared the tragic news in an Instagram put up Sunday, however didn’t disclose the date of the drummer’s passing or the reason for loss of life.
Verdine, 71, penned a prolonged tribute to his star sibling, stating: “Our family is saddened today with the loss of an amazing and talented family member. Our beloved brother Frederick Eugene ‘Freddie’ White.
“He joins our brothers Maurice, Monte, and Ronald in heaven and is now drumming with the angels!” Verdine continued. “He was the wonderful bro that was always entertaining and delightfully mischievous! And we could always count on him to make a seemingly bad situation more lighthearted.”
White started his music profession when he was 14 years outdated, becoming a member of the band the Salty Peppers. He first began enjoying drums with Earth, Wind & Fire in 1974.
At the time, White’s brother Verdine performed bass in Earth, Wind & Fire, whereas their older half-brother Maurice served as a singer-songwriter.
The band’s funky mixture of R&B, soul and disco pop outlined the sound of the Nineteen Seventies, with hit songs together with “September,” “Shining Star” and “Let’s Groove.”
White left the band within the mid-Nineteen Eighties, however returned for his or her Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction in 2000.
Over the many years, Earth, Wind & Fire have gained six Grammy Awards and 4 American Music Awards.
White additionally performed drums on recordings for Bonnie Raitt, Donny Hathaway, Deniece Williams and Diana Ross. He final appeared on Ross’ comeback album, “Thank You” which was launched final 12 months.
Meanwhile, a slew of celebrities responded to Verdine’s Instagram put up, together with rocker Lenny Kravitz.
“Sending my love and deepest condolences to you and the family. I was blessed to have been in his presence and blessed to have been influenced by him. A true king. Rest in power,” Kravitz commented.
Fans of the band additionally chimed in with feedback saying simply how a lot White meant to them.
“I remember when, as a child, I used to take my mum’s pots and pans and turn them upside down and use them as drums,” one wrote. “I used to look in the album covers, looking at African-American Kings … I was so inspired. Mr. Fred White was the reason why I turned those pots and pans over.
“With so much love and respect, I sent my deepest condolences to you and your family,” the heartbroken fan continued. “May you rest in peace, Mr. Fred White.”
This article was initially printed by the New York Post and reproduced with permission
Originally printed as ‘Delightfully mischievous’: Earth, Wind & Fire drummer Fred White useless at 67
