Tributes are being paid to former Earth, Wind & Fire drummer Fred White following his death at the age of 67.
Earth, Wind & Fire were founded in the late 1960s by White’s brother Maurice, who died aged 74 in 2016. The band featured a range of different musicians throughout the years and spanned genres from R’n’B and soul to pop and disco.
Fred White was among the early members of the US group and played on many of their hit albums and songs, including September, Boogie Wonderland, Saturday Nite and Shining Star.
His death was announced by his brother Verdine, who was also a member of the band. He paid tribute to “an amazing and talented family member” in a statement shared on Instagram.
“Dearest family, friends and fans, our family is saddened today with 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 protege, member of the EWF ORIGINAL 9, with gold records at the young age of 16 years old! He was brother number four in the family line-up.
“But more than that at home and beyond 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! He will live in our hearts forever, rest in power beloved Freddie!!
“We thank you all for your love, blessings and support at this time. Soar high baby bro, we love you to the shining and back!”
White began drumming professionally as a teenager and was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2000 alongside fellow members of Earth, Wind & Fire.
He also featured on tracks by American singers Donny Hathaway and Jennifer Holliday.
In his memory, Earth, Wind & Fire’s official Instagram page shared a video of White solo drumming.
The post was captioned: “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.”
American singer-songwriter Lenny Kravitz was among those paying tribute, remembering the drummer as a “true king”.
Commenting on Verdine White’s Instagram post, Kravitz wrote: “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.”
“Queen of Percussion” Sheila E also responded with prayer and dove emojis.
Comedian Loni Love wrote: “Rest in peace and thank you for the great years of entertainment.”
