Fred White, the drummer for Earth Wind & Fire during the 70s and 80s, has died at the age of 67.
White’s brother and bandmate, Verdine White shared the news on social media: “Our family is saddened today with the loss of an amazing and talented family member, our beloved brother Frederick Eugene ‘Freddie’ White. He joins our brothers Maurice, Monte and Ronald in heaven and is now drumming with the angels! … 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. 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 [star] and back!”
Earth, Wind and Fire also acknowledged White’s passing with a video featuring White from 1979: “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.”
White joined Earth Wind & Fire in 197 and was featured on some of the band’s biggest hits, including “Shining Star”, “Let’s Groove”, “September,” “Sing a Song,” “Boogie Wonderland” and more. He left the group in the mid-80s, but rejoined his bandmates on drums for their 2000 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction.
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