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Earth, Wind & Fire Founder Maurice White Has Died

Singers Maurice White (L) and Philip Bailey of the band Earth, Wind and Fire perform during the inaugural "Grammy Jam Fest" at the Wiltern Theatre December 11, 2004 in Los Angeles, California.  (Carlo Allegri/Getty Images)
Singers Maurice White (L) and Philip Bailey of the band Earth, Wind and Fire perform during the inaugural "Grammy Jam Fest" at the Wiltern Theatre December 11, 2004 in Los Angeles, California. (Carlo Allegri/Getty Images)

After decades crafting funk, soul and disco hits with the seminal R&B band Earth, Wind & Fire, Maurice White died in his sleep on Thursday, according to his brother. He was 74.

White revealed he’d been living with Parkinson’s disease in 2000, the same year Earth, Wind & Fire joined the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Ten years later, White was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame, along with several of his bandmates.

Earth, Wind & Fire Songs In This Segment

“That’s the Way of the World”

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“September”

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“Shining Star”

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“Sing a Song”

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“Reasons”

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