How did Fred White die? Earth, Wind & Fire drummer, 67, began drumming at age of 9
MEMPHIS, TENNESSEE: Earth, Wind & Fire drummer Fred White, who played with the group from 1971 until 1984, is no more. He died on Sunday, January 1, at the age of 67. His brother and bandmate Verdine White made the announcement via Instagram but did not reveal the cause of death.
Verdine wrote, “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. He joins our brothers Maurice, Monte and Ronald in heaven and is now drumming with the angels!” He further added, "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 will live in our hearts forever, rest in power beloved Freddie!!"
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American singer-songwriter Lenny Kravitz remembered White, who started drumming at the age of nine, as a "true king." Commenting under Verdine's Instagram post, Lenny wrote, "Sending my love and deepest condolences to you and the family. I was blessed to have been in his presence and blessed to have been influenced by him. A true king. Rest in power."
Earth, Wind & Fire, which began in 1970 under the leadership of singer Maurice White, also paid tribute to Fred on their official Instagram page. "In memoriam: Fred White, 1955-2022. Seen here soloing during our performance of Runnin’, during our Tour of the World in 1979, at Rockpalast in Essen, Germany. Rest in love," the band wrote.
Earth, Wind & Fire
The band’s most successful period started with the 1975 album 'That’s The Way of The World'. Other hits included 'Serpentine Fire', 'Shining Star', and 'Got to Get You Into My Life', among others. As per BBC, the band won six Grammys and four American Music Awards, and entered the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2000, and gained a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.