Maurice White, founder of the phenomenal Earth, Wind & Fire, died peacefully in his sleep last night after a long struggle with Parkinson’s Disease.
Photo. Getty.
He was 74.
They were a unique talent, and hard to define when they arrived on the scene in the late 1960’s.
Part funk, rock, jazz, disco, and always rhythm and blues, this 9 piece band of “Shining Stars” graced us with so many hits.
Here he sings lead in one of my favorites, September.
Rest in peace.
vanbytheriver 
So sad, Van. Another one that 2016 has claimed. September is a great song, as are so many of their catalog. I love “That’s the way of the world”.
They put on quite a show. Not too many bands of that time featured a horn section. They wrote inspiring lyrics, for sure.
Oh, I did not know! Earth Wind and Fire were great!
They stood out, Erika, in so many ways.
Oh, they did! One of my favs is “Let’s Groove”.
They had such a cool funky sound and this was always one of my favorites. It’s hard not to want to move hearing it. Another one gone. RIP.
It’s been a rough year for some of the music legends we grew up with, George. Sad.
Man, when’s it gonna stop?
sigh….
One of my favorites too. So sorry to hear of his passing.
Thanks, Erica. They were in their very own lane. ☺
Another legend, Van. This year has been tough on the music heroes of my youth.
I understand that one. ☺
I had not heard this news. I introduced my kids to Earth, Wind & Fire a few years ago and now they are a staple of any of our boogie sessions.
Boogie…so true. Another category they would fall into. Thanks, Laura 💖
Very sad loss Van. I loved this group, so bright and colourful, great music and some great moves too!
They were flamboyant in their clothing long before it was fashionable. They really knew how to show up on stage. ☺
They did really put on a performance! 🙂
Oh wow, this is just continuing into February, all these great rock and rollers dying!! I think I have all their music, Van. I LOVE this band!!! ❤
So do I, Amy. It’s been a rough year for music fans, and it’s only February.
I know, Van. I cringe to think “Who else?”
One of my favorite groups in my younger years and his death prompted me to go to ITunes download their album, Greatest Hits.
Nice. There were a lot of hits. ☺
I do remember. It’s a good song. Sad times. We have lost a few from the ranks recently. I guess the numbers will start to fall as we all move higher up in years.
It’s so true, Norah. The rock legends are getting up there, and they don’t all have Mick Jagger’s genes. ☺
Or Keith Richards’. Now there’s an anomaly! 🙂
He may outlive us all. ☺
It wouldn’t surprise me! 🙂
Dammit, is no band safe? What with the celestial cull?
It would seem so, Geoff.
I was so sad to hear this! They are my favorites and bring back such memories! Such talent!
Multi-talented. So true, Lynn.
yes!
Not another one! Your blog is becoming like an obituary column, Van! LOL! My mom loved that band – that video brought back happy memories. They sure were a colorful group of musicians with many hits. I will have to ask my mom if she knows he passed away. Very sad.
You’re so right about the obit column, Kelly. I’m going to have to stop that, no matter what evolves.💖
No don’t stop! I was just joking because of so many recent deaths of famous people! I always love your reflections and tributes that accompany them. xo
I guess I will only address the famous folks that meant something to me. Thanks, Kelly. 💖
Always look forward to your posts, Van, no matter who or what is the subject. Hope you are enjoying the weekend. xo
Super Bowl eve…just chillin’ ☺
Big plans tomorrow?
Not at all… just watching the game. I kinda like that. ☺
Same here. I need to catch up on some rest. Just got back home after a few days on the road for work. 🙂
Enjoy the down time. 💖
Thank you, I will try! Same to you!