Fred White, a former member of soul greats and six-time Grammy-winners Earth, Wind & Fire who joined founders and brothers Maurice and Verdine in their classic line-up from the mid-1970s, died on Earth, Wind & Fire has sold some ninety million records and won eight Grammy awards. But while its charismatic founder, Maurice White, and Philip Bailey, one of popular music’s greatest voices, are remarkable musical talents, their relentless work ethic exhausted and emotionally gutted the group. Drummer Fred White, who backed up his brothers Maurice and Verdine White in the Grammy-winning ensemble Earth, Wind & Fire, has died. Verdine White, a vocalist, percussionist and bass player for the band, posted Sunday on his Instagram account that his younger brother Frederick Eugene “Freddie” White had died. Earth, Wind & Fire began in 1970 under the leadership of Maurice White, who Maurice White, who combined funk, pop, rock and soul as the drummer and primary songwriter of Earth Wind and Fire, has died at the age of 74.He had been battling Parkinson's disease since the late Legendary band Earth Wind & Fire pictured around 1970 Credit: Getty Images - Getty. He wrote of the Rock And Roll Hall Of Famer: "Our family is saddened today with the loss of an amazing and talented family member, our beloved brother Frederick Eugene 'Freddie' White. Earth, Wind & Fire began in 1970 under the leadership of Maurice White, who created a band that could combine elements of jazz, funk, R&B, soul, dance, pop and rock, and celebrated African Earth, Wind & Fire drummer Fred White has died at the age of 67. Earth, Wind & Fire’s funky combination of R&B, soul and disco pop defined the sound of the 1970s, with hit songs including I Am. Earth, Wind & Fire. R&B/SOUL · 1979. Almost a decade after Maurice White formed the spiritually minded Earth, Wind & Fire, the band hit upon one of their sweatiest, most sensual anthems, "Boogie Wonderland." Featuring alluring lead vocals by female R&B trio The Emotions, this disco stunner remains a surefire dance-floor filler. 3:25 PM. (Photo by Rob Verhorst/Redferns) Fred White, a drummer for the legendary Earth, Wind & Fire, has reportedly passed away. He was 67. Verdine White, the musician’s older brother and PWD7k.