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The Life of a Child Prodigy
Earth, Wind & Fire drummer, Fred White, has died at the age of 67. His former bandmate and older brother, Verdine, announced his passing on Instagram. He died on Jan. 1, 2023.
The drummer was born on Jan. 13, 1955, in Chicago, Illinois. Before joining his brothers’ band Earth, Wind & Fire, White was an accomplished drummer playing for Donny Hathaway. His brother Maurice founded Earth, Wind & Fire to combine the elements of funk, R&B, jazz, dance, pop, soul, and rock, as well as to celebrate African musicianship and spiritualism. At one time, Maurice stated that White was a gifted child who had “gold records at the young age of 16 years old!”
His upbeat drumming can be heard in such songs as “Boogie Wonderland” and “September.” He remained with Earth, Wind & Fire until 1983. Some of the band’s greatest hits can still be heard today.
White’s Success With Earth, Wind & Fire
Earth, Wind & Fire was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2000. They played in the 2005 Super Bowl halftime. The band has six Grammys.
Their most successful period began in 1975 with the album “That’s The Way of The World” and continued on through the rest of the decade. They are also known for the hits “Shining Star,” “Serpentine Fire,” and a cover of the Beatles’ “Got to Get You Into My Life.”
He Will Be Missed
White’s brothers Ronald, Maurice, and Monte died before he did. Verdine wrote in his Instagram post that White could “make a seemingly bad situation more light hearted!”
The child prodigy will live forever in the hearts of his family and friends. His family is appreciative of everyone’s “love, blessings, and support.” May he rest in peace and his family find solace.
By Sheena Robertson
Sources:
Rollingstone: Earth, Wind and Fire Drumming Prodigy Fred White Dead at 67
WALB: Earth, Wind & Fire drummer Fred White dies at age 67
IMDb: Freddie White
CNN: Fred White, Earth, Wind & Fire drummer, dead at 67
The New York Times: Fred White, Drummer for Earth, Wind & Fire, Dies at 67
Top and Featured Image Courtesy of Niels Heidenreich’s Flickr Page – Creative Commons License
Inset Image Courtesy of Leila’s Flickr Page – Creative Commons License
