Maurice White, Legend and Founder of Earth, Wind, & Fire, Passes Away

Sad news has hit the music industry. Maurice White, legendary singer and founder of Earth, Wind, & Fire, has passed away. According to his brother Verdine, who is also a member of the Hall of Fame band, told the Associated Press that White died peacefully in his sleep on Wednesday at his home in L.A.

"My brother, hero and best friend Maurice White passed away peacefully last night in his sleep." While the world has lost another great musician and legend, our family asks that our privacy is respected as we start what will be a very difficult and life changing transition in our lives. Thank you for your prayers and well wishes." 

Over the past years, White had been suffering from Parkinson's Disease and retreated from the public even as his band kept performing around the world. 

In 2000, White was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame with his group Earth, Wind, & Fire. They are best known for their hits "September," "Shining Star," and "Boogie Wonderland." 

White was 74.

NBC