Earth, Wind & Fire drummer Fred White dies aged 67: his brother Verdine shares the sad news, while his pal Lenny Kravitz posts a tribute
- Earth, Wind & Fire drummer Fred White has died aged 67
- The sad news was brought by his 71-year-old brother, Verdine White
- The lengthy social media note did not disclose Fred’s cause of death
- The band Earth, Wind & Fire, which was successful in the 1970s and 1980s
- The band was responsible for the hits September and Shining Star
Earth, Wind & Fire drummer Fred White has died aged 67.
The sad news was shared on social media by his 71-year-old brother Verdine White – founder and bassist of Earth, Wind & Fire – on Sunday.
Fred’s cause of death was not disclosed.
The band Earth, Wind & Fire, which thrived in the 1970s and 1980s and continued touring for decades afterwards, were responsible for the hits September, Shining Star and After The Love Is Gone.
Sad farewell: One of the members of the 1970s band Earth, Wind & Fire – who were responsible for the hits September and After The Love Is Gone – has died. It was announced on Sunday that the eclectic band’s drummer, Fred White, has died at the age of 67
“Dearest family friends and fans… Our family is saddened today by the loss of an amazing and talented family member, our beloved brother, Frederick Eugene “Freddie” White,” he wrote.
“He joins our brothers Maurice, Monte and Ronald in heaven and is now drumming with the angels! Child advocate, member of the EWF ORIGINAL 9, with gold discs at the young age of 16! He was brother number 4 in the family constellation,” it added.
White has been called a “wonderful brother” who was “always entertaining and delightfully mischievous”!
Then the note said: ‘And we could always count on him to make a seemingly bad situation lighter!’
The musician added: “He will live in our hearts forever, rest in strength beloved Freddie!! Thank you all for your love, blessings and support during this time. Soar high baby brother we love you bright [stars] and back!’
Born in Chicago, Fred began touring at age 15 with a band called The Salty Peppers.
The Salty Peppers became Earth, Wind & Fire in 1974.
The band had a string of successes throughout the 1970s and 1980s, with one of their top songs being the up-tempo dance hit Shining Star.
Lenny Kravitz shared a tribute on Instagram: “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.’