R.I.P. Earth, Wind & Fire Founder, Maurice White (1941-2016)

It's with a heavy heart that we report Maurice White, founder and member of the legendary funk and soul outfit, Earth, Wind & Fire, has passed away at his home in Los Angeles at the age of 74 after a long bout with Parkinsons Disease. The news arrived just moments ago via Associated Press, who received a statement from his brother and EWF bass man, Verdine White. 

Over nearly 50-years, Maurice has led and acted as the main songwriter, arranger and vocalist for EWF, 21x Grammy nominated, winning seven in a historic career that inspired some of today's greatest talents and soundtracked the lives of countless. His compositions have long been a cornerstone to hip-hop's sampling tradition and has maintained the band's glowing and electric stage show throughout the entirety of their recording careers. He's also served as producer for albums by the likes of jazz and funk greats like Ramsey Lewis, Urban Knights, El DeBarge and many more. His imprint on music is one that can be matched only by fellow luminaries and he will sorely missed as an iconic vocalist and an even more celebrated human. Rest in power, king.