Tributes are being paid to former Earth, Wind & Fire drummer Fred White following his demise on the age of 67.
Earth, Wind & Fire had been based within the late Nineteen Sixties by White’s brother Maurice, who died aged 74 in 2016. The band featured a spread of various musicians all through the years and spanned genres from R’n’B and soul to pop and disco.
Fred White was among the many early members of the US group and performed on a lot of their hit albums and songs, together with September, Boogie Wonderland, Saturday Nite and Shining Star.
His demise was introduced by his brother Verdine, who was additionally a member of the band. He paid tribute to “an amazing and talented family member” in an announcement shared on Instagram.
“Dearest family, friends and fans, our family is saddened today with the loss of an amazing and talented family member, our beloved brother Frederick Eugene ‘Freddie’ White,” he wrote. “He joins our brothers Maurice, Monte and Ronald in heaven and is now drumming with the angels!
“Child protege, member of the EWF ORIGINAL 9, with gold records at the young age of 16 years old! He was brother number four in the family line-up.
“But greater than that at residence and past he was the fantastic bro that was at all times 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 thanks all in your love, blessings and assist right now. Soar excessive child bro, we love you to the shining and again!”
White started drumming professionally as a teen and was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2000 alongside fellow members of Earth, Wind & Fire.
He additionally featured on tracks by American singers Donny Hathaway and Jennifer Holliday.
In his reminiscence, Earth, Wind & Fire’s official Instagram web page shared a video of White solo drumming.
The submit was captioned: “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.”
American singer-songwriter Lenny Kravitz was amongst these paying tribute, remembering the drummer as a “true king”.
Commenting on Verdine White’s Instagram submit, Kravitz wrote: “Sending my love and deepest condolences to you and the family.
“I used to be blessed to have been in his presence and blessed to have been influenced by him. A real king. Rest in energy.”
“Queen of Percussion” Sheila E also responded with prayer and dove emojis.
Comedian Loni Love wrote: “Rest in peace and thanks for the nice years of leisure.”
Source: information.sky.com”