Earth, Wind & Fire Founder & Lead Singer Maurice White Dies at 74

The New York Times reports that Maurice White, founder and lead singer of the legendary band Earth, Wind & Fire, passed away at his home in Los Angeles at the age 74. Mark Young, the publicist for the band, said that Mr. White died late Wednesday or early Thursday. He did not specify the cause. In 2000, it was announced that he suffered from Parkinson's disease.

White was singer-songwriter, musician, record producer, arranger and bandleader. He served as the band's main songwriter and record producer, and was co-lead singer (along with Philip Bailey). White won seven Grammys, and was nominated for 21 Grammys in total.

White was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and the Vocal Group Hall of Fame as a member of Earth, Wind & Fire, and was also individually inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame. Also known by his nickname Reese, he worked with several famous recording artists including; Deniece Williams, The Emotions, Barbra Streisand and Neil Diamond. [source]

Among his many hit songs were "Shining Star," "September," "That's the Way of the World" and a cover of the Beatles' "Got to Get You Into My Life"

Below, watch the band perform their classic "Boogie Wonderland"