Former Earth, Wind & Fire drummer Fred White dies at 67

Former Earth, Wind & Fire drummer Fred White has died, his brother confirmed on social media. he was 67 years old.

“Our family is saddened today to lose a wonderfully talented family member and our beloved brother, Frederick Eugene ‘Freddie’ White,” wrote Burdin White. “He joined our brothers Maurice, Monte and Ronald in heaven and now drums with the angels!”

Fred White played with Earth, Wind & Fire from 1971 to 1984, after which the band went on hiatus. The band’s founding bassist, Burdin White, called him “a member of EWF ORIGINAL 9”.

The cause of death was not immediately revealed.

according to pitchforkFred White toured as a drummer before high school and joined Earth, Wind & Fire before he turned 20. Died in 2016 at the age of 74was also a founding member of the band, serving as bandleader, principal songwriter, producer, and one of the group’s lead singers.

The band also confirmed Fred White’s death on their Instagram page and shared a video clip of White playing a drum solo while the band was in Essen, Germany during their 1979 world tour. The video shows White smiling, kissing and cheering the crowd.

“We could always count on him to make a seemingly bad situation more comfortable,” writes Burdin-White. “He will live forever in our hearts.” My beloved Freddie, may you rest in peace!!”