It was announced that former drummer of the band Earth, Wind & Fire, Fred White, has died. The Chicago-born child drumming prodigy was one of the first members to join the group founded by his older brothers Maurice and Verdine.
The jazz fusion outfit was one of the best-selling groups of all time, with more than 90 million records sold worldwide. Their best-known hits include September and Boogie Wonderland.
White began drumming at nine years old, and featured on his first gold record, Donny Hathaway's Live, at just 16. In 1974, he joined the band, who, over the years, won six Grammys and four American Music Awards, as well as entering the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2000, and gaining a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
His death was announced on Instagram by his brother, and fellow-band member and co-Earth, Wind & Fire founder, Verdine (White), who wrote: "Our family is saddened today with the loss of an amazing and talented family member, our beloved brother Frederick Eugene 'Freddie' White.
“As well as his drumming success, White was a wonderful brother who was "always entertaining and delightfully mischievous. We could always count on him to make a seemingly bad situation more light-hearted!
“He will live in our hearts forever, rest in power beloved Freddie!"
Earth Wind & Fire shot to fame with its triple platinum album That's the Way of the World, before continuing on with an illustrious music career worldwide.
Fred White was 67.
Bassist Verdine said his "amazing and talented" sibling was now "drumming with the angels".
Among the tributes to White, singer Lenny Kravitz called him a "true king" and said he was "blessed" to have been influenced by him.
A year later,
Fred's
In response, Kravitz wrote: "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."
