Fred White of the legendary band Earth, Wind and Fire tragically passed away on Sunday. The drummer’s brother Verdine White confirmed the news on Instagram.”Our family is saddened today with the loss of an amazing and talented family member, our beloved brother Frederick Eugene ‘Freddie’ White,” he wrote.”But more than that,” Verdine White continued, “at home and beyond he was the wonderful bro that was always entertaining and delightfully mischievous!” Freddie was 67. The cause of his death is still unknown.
Earth, Wind And Fire Release Statment
In honor of White, Earth, Wind and Fire also took to Instagram to post a memorial tribute to White, sharing a clip of a drum solo during the band’s tour at Rockpalast in Essen, Germany in 1979. “In memoriam: Fred White, 1955-2022
Seen here soloing during our performance of Runnin’, during our Tour of the World in 1979, at Rockpalast in Essen, Germany. Rest in love ❤️,” the band captioned the heartfelt post.
The group’s lead singer Phillip Bailey also posted a picture on Instagram of the band. “Ralph Johnson and I, with Fred White in the middle… doing what we love. The best of times. We will miss you, Freddie,” Bailey wrote.
Shortly before joining the band, White played the drums on Donny Hathaway’s Live album at 16 years old. He then joined the band in 1974, shortly after the band’s fifth album Open In Our Eyes was released. Since joining, the band has won six Grammy Awards. They were also inducted in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2000. White has worked with many musicians, including Diana Ross, Jennifer Holiday, The Emotions and Deniece Williams to name a few.
In his 2016 memoir, White’s half-brother Maurice spoke about him. “Fred was the brick wall,” Maurice wrote. “He provided a rock-solid tempo and a rock-solid feel, priceless qualities in a drummer. He was one of the best things going for us.”
White’s legacy will continue to live on as one of the best-selling groups of all time.
Written By: Roy Lott
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