Maurice White, co-founder and co-lead vocalist of Earth, Wind & Fire through their 70 and 80’s period, died in his sleep Thursday morning at age 74. White died in L.A. after a long battle with Parkinson’s. He was diagnosed in 1992 and his condition deteriorated in recent months. The disease had progressed to the point he was forced to stop touring with the band in 1994. In 2000, the band was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. Maurice was individually inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2010 and Earth Wind & Fire has been carrying on the touring circuit strong, still selling out venues and playing a big spot in last year’s Bonnaroo festival. The band is about to kick off a tour with Chicago in late March with Maurice’s brother, Verdine (bass) still a band member leading the way with co-lead vocalist Philip Bailey. Watch the band perform “Boogie Wonderland” live in all its color and glory.
