Sad news for Earth, Wind & Fire fans. The band’s drummer died on Sunday (Janth).
The information was confirmed by Verdine White, the musician’s brother, who was also part of the band. “Our family is saddened today by the loss of an incredibly talented family member, our beloved brother, Frederick Eugene ‘Freddie’ White,” he wrote on Instagram.
“He joins our brothers Maurice, Monte and Ronald in heaven and now he’s playing drums with the angels!” he lamented. Verdine has not disclosed the cause of Fred’s death.
Formed in 1960, Earth, Wind & Fire became famous for mixing rhythms such as jazz, soul, funk, R&B and Latin rhythms. Fred was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame along with nine other members of the group in 2000.
Fred played drums on eight of the group’s albums, including some of Earth, Wind & Fire’s most celebrated singles such as “Saturday Night”, “Shining Star” and “Boogie Wonderland”.