Role

:

Composer

Birth

:

December 19, 1941 in Memphis, TN

Death

:

February 3, 2016 in Los Angeles, CA

 

Maurice White was a renowned American musician, composer, and producer who was born on December 19, 1941, in Memphis, Tennessee. He was the founder and leader of the popular band Earth, Wind & Fire, which was known for its unique blend of funk, soul, jazz, and R&B music. White's musical career spanned over five decades, during which he produced numerous hit songs and albums that earned him critical acclaim and commercial success. White's musical journey began at an early age when he started playing the drums and singing in his church choir. He was greatly influenced by the gospel music he heard in church and the blues and jazz music that was popular in Memphis at the time. White's family moved to Chicago when he was a teenager, and he continued to pursue his passion for music by playing in local bands and studying music theory and composition. In the late 1960s, White joined the Ramsey Lewis Trio as a drummer and played on several of their albums. He also worked as a session musician for other artists, including Etta James, Muddy Waters, and Buddy Guy. In 1969, White formed his own band, which he named Earth, Wind & Fire, after the elements of his astrological sign, Sagittarius. Earth, Wind & Fire quickly gained popularity with their unique sound, which blended funk, soul, jazz, and R&B music. White's compositions were characterized by their intricate arrangements, complex harmonies, and use of horns, strings, and percussion instruments. The band's live performances were also known for their elaborate costumes, choreography, and special effects. White's first major success as a composer came with the release of Earth, Wind & Fire's fourth album, "Head to the Sky," in 1973. The album featured the hit single "Evil," which reached number one on the R&B charts. The band's next album, "Open Our Eyes," was even more successful, with the hit singles "Mighty Mighty" and "Devotion" reaching the top ten on the R&B charts. White continued to produce hit albums and singles throughout the 1970s and 1980s, including "That's the Way of the World," "Gratitude," "All 'n All," and "I Am." The band's biggest hit, "September," was released in 1978 and became a disco classic. White's compositions were also featured in several movies, including "That's the Way of the World" and "Caddyshack." In addition to his work with Earth, Wind & Fire, White also produced and collaborated with other artists, including Deniece Williams, Barbra Streisand, and Neil Diamond. He also founded his own record label, Kalimba Records, in the 1990s. White's contributions to the music industry were recognized with numerous awards and honors, including induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2000 and the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2010. He also received several Grammy Awards for his work as a producer and composer. White's musical legacy continues to inspire and influence musicians around the world. His innovative compositions and arrangements have been praised for their creativity and originality, and his contributions to the development of funk, soul, and R&B music have been widely recognized. Maurice White passed away on February 4, 2016, but his music lives on as a testament to his talent and creativity.

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