Fred White: ‘Earth, Wind & Fire’ drummer dies

Music Aged 67

Earth, Wind & Fire drummer Fred White has died

Stand: 03.01.2023 | Reading time: 2 minutes

Fred White (left) with his band in 2010

Quelle: pa/Dennis Van Tine/MediaPunch

You can listen to our WELT podcasts here

In order to display embedded content, your revocable consent to the transmission and processing of personal data is required, since the providers of the embedded content as third-party providers require this consent [In diesem Zusammenhang können auch Nutzungsprofile (u.a. auf Basis von Cookie-IDs) gebildet und angereichert werden, auch außerhalb des EWR]. By setting the switch to “on”, you agree to this (which can be revoked at any time). This also includes your consent to the transfer of certain personal data to third countries, including the USA, in accordance with Art. 49 (1) (a) GDPR. You can find more information about this. You can withdraw your consent at any time via the switch and via privacy at the bottom of the page.

In the 1970s, the funk band Earth, Wind & Fire rose to fame with hits like “September” and “Shining Star”. Former drummer Fred White has died at the age of 67.

Dhe drummer Fred White, who became known with the American funk band Earth, Wind & Fire, is dead. He died at the age of 67, as his brother Verdine and the band announced on Monday via their social media accounts. “Joining our brothers Maurice, Monte and Ronald in heaven and now playing drums with the angels,” Verdine White wrote on Instagram. The band dedicated a post to the deceased with a video recording of one of his drum solos at a concert in Essen’s Rockpalast in 1979.

This is where you will find content from Instagram

In order to display embedded content, your revocable consent to the transmission and processing of personal data is required, since the providers of the embedded content as third-party providers require this consent [In diesem Zusammenhang können auch Nutzungsprofile (u.a. auf Basis von Cookie-IDs) gebildet und angereichert werden, auch außerhalb des EWR]. By setting the switch to “on”, you agree to this (which can be revoked at any time). This also includes your consent to the transfer of certain personal data to third countries, including the USA, in accordance with Art. 49 (1) (a) GDPR. You can find more information about this. You can withdraw your consent at any time via the switch and via privacy at the bottom of the page.

The funk band, formed in Chicago in the late 1960s, became famous for hits like “September”, “Shining Star” and “Boogie Wonderland”. Earth, Wind & Fire delivered a mixture of soul, funk, R&B, pop, jazz and gospel music – and thus shaped the sound of the 1970s. The cult band was not only known for their music, but also for artistic show performances with elaborate choreography, pyrotechnics and light effects. Her legendary status earned her Grammy trophies, a star on the Walk of Fame and a place in the Rock ‘n’ Roll Hall of Fame.

The band enjoyed great success in the 1970s and were one of the first to break down the divide between white and black in popular music. The musical group was popular with both whites, but also had a loyal African-American fan base. In 1979, they became the first black band to sell out New York’s Madison Square Garden.