Drummer for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame band Earth, Wind, & Fire, Fred White has died at the age of 67. Fred White was first heard on Donny Hathaway’s 1972 classic Live recording and Hathaway’s Extension of a Man, and on Little Feat’s song “Spanish Moon.” 

He proceeded to help form the classic lineup of Earth, Wind, and Fire in 1974 with brothers Verdine and Maurice White. Verdine, Maurice, and Fred were part of what was referred to as the “EWF Original 9.” Fred played drums with the band from 1975’s That’s the Way of the World through 1983’s Electric Universe, including 1980’s classic Faces. He would also appear on recordings by Linda Ronstadt and The Emotions.

Fred’s drumming had a deep groove and created EW&F’s classic sound and period of recording. Modern Drummer passes our thoughts and condolences along to the entire Earth, Wind, & Fire family and their friends and fans. Advertisement