It is with great sorrow that we share the news of Earth, Wind & Fire drummer Fred White’s passing at the age of 67.
Sadly, on Sunday Verdine White, the bandmate and brother of Maurice White revealed that he had passed away with no details given as to when this tragedy occurred or what led to his death.
In an emotional tribute, Verdine, 71 years of age, lovingly remembered his famous sibling: “Our family is saddened today with the loss of an amazing and talented family member. Our beloved brother Frederick Eugene ‘Freddie’ White. He joins our brothers Maurice, Monte, and Ronald in heaven and is now drumming with the angels!” Verdine added. “He was the wonderful bro that was always entertaining and delightfully mischievous! And we could always count on him to make a seemingly bad situation more light-hearted.”
At the tender age of 14, White embarked on his musical journey when he became a member of The Salty Peppers. Shortly thereafter, in 1974, he started playing drums for Earth Wind & Fire and hasn’t looked back since!
During this era, White’s brother Verdine held the bass role in Earth, Wind & Fire, and their older half-brother Maurice sang as a songwriter.
Boasting a unique blend of R&B, soul and disco pop music, the band’s sound became iconic in the 1970s with their chart-topping hits such as “September,” “Shining Star” and “Let’s Groove.”
In the mid-1980s, White parted ways with the band; however, he rejoined them 20 years later for their Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction.
For decades, Earth, Wind & Fire have been praised and recognized for their contributions to music with six Grammy Awards and four American Music Awards.
Jeff White graced music lovers with his exceptional drumming skills as he recorded for famed artists such as Bonnie Raitt, Donny Hathaway, Deniece Williams and Diana Ross. His latest venture was on the much-anticipated “Thank You” album by Diana Ross released in 2019.
In the wake of Verdine’s Instagram post, an array of famous personalities reacted to it – including rocker Lenny Kravitz.
“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,” Kravitz said.
Fans of the band also shared how deeply White had impacted them, expressing their sentiments through comments.
“I remember when, as a child, I used to take my mom’s pots and pans and turn them upside down and use them as drums,” one person said. “I used to look in the album covers, looking at African-American Kings … I was so inspired. Mr. Fred White was the reason why I turned those pots and pans over. With so much love and respect, I sent my deepest condolences to you and your family,” The grieving fan went on, “May you rest in peace, Mr. Fred White.”
