Fred White, one of Earth, Wind & Fire's original band members and drummer, died earlier this week. He was just 67 years old.
On January 1st, 2023, Verdine White, another original and longtime bandmate of the group, announced on his Instagram page that his brother, Fred, had passed.
"Our family is saddened today With the loss of an amazing and talented family member, Our beloved brother Frederick Eugene "Freddie" White," Verdine wrote in a caption accompanying the post.
"He joins our brothers Maurice, Monte and Ronald in heaven and is now drumming with the angels!" the post continues. "Child protégé, member of the EWF ORIGINAL 9, with gold records at the young age of 16 years old! He was brother number 4 in the family lineup."
Verdine ended the heartbreaking post by thanking fans of Earth, Wind & Fire for their continued support, as well as thanking them for their love during these times. The post gained a lot of attention and well-wishes from other musicians, such as Nile Rogers, Lenny Kravitz, and Questlove.
While still in high school, Fred toured as a drummer with music legend Donny Hathaway. After high school, he became one of the founding members of Earth, Wind & Fire.
Founded by half-brother Maurice White, who passed away in 2016 after a battle with Parkinson's, Fred acted as the band's drummer.
Shining Star, Saturday Nite, Boogie Wonderland, and September are just some of the hits that Fred was involved in over the years.
Acting as one of the most influential groups of the disco era, Earth, Wind & Fire's music touched a number of genres, including soul and funk.
But when Earth, Wind & Fire was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2000, Fred rejoined to take the stage alongside his brothers and former bandmates.
Verdine White's announcement did not come with a cause of death. However, Fred White and his legacy as a founding member of one of the 20th century's biggest groups will always be remembered.
