Fred White, drummer with Earth, Wind & Fire has died.
News of the musician’s death was shared by his brother and bandmate Verdine White in an Instagram post on Sunday, January 1. He was 67.
“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,” wrote Verdine.
“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 added: “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 [stars] and back!”
Born Frederick Eugene Adams in Chicago in 1955, Fred met Donny Hathaway aged 15 and began touring with him, before joining The Salty Peppers.
In 1974, he joined Verdine and their brother Maurice in Earth, Wind & Fire, performing on their biggest hits, including September and Shining Star.
