Maurice White of Earth, Wind & Fire Dies at 74 - by Laura Wagner/ America/ The Two-Way: Breaking News from NPR/ National Public Radio/ npr.org
"Maurice White, the founder of Earth, Wind & Fire, the band known for hits like "Shining Star and "Boogie Wonderland," died in his sleep overnight. He was 74.
Verdine White posted the following message on the group's Facebook page:
"My brother, hero and best friend Maurice White passed away peacefully last night in his sleep. While the world has lost another great musician and legend, our family asks that our privacy is respected as we start what will be a very difficult and life changing transition in our lives. Thank you for your prayers and well wishes."
White founded the horn-driven band in the late 1960s. "The group went on to sell more than 90 million albums worldwide, displaying a flashy and eclectic musical style that incorporated his influences from growing up in Memphis, Tennessee," The Associated Press reports.
One of the Earth, Wind & Fire's most famous songs was "September," a song that's a go-to at wedding receptions everywhere..."
Maurice White flanked by singers Ralph Johnson (left) and Philip Bailey (right) of the band Earth, Wind & Fire perform at the Wiltern Theater December 11, 2004 in Los Angeles.
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