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How did Andrew Woolfolk die? 'Earth, Wind & Fire' saxophonist, 71, shaped the Disco sound

Andrew Woolfolk was inducted into the Colorado Music Hall of Fame in 2017

'Earth, Wind & Fire' saxophonist Andrew Woolfolk has died aged 71. Woolfolk's contributions played a huge role in shaping the disco sound of the 1970s. He helped create some of the biggest hits of the band, including 'September' and 'Boogie Wonderland'.

Woolfolk died on Monday, April 25, after battling a six-year illness. However, the exact cause of death has not been revealed. Woolfolk's death was announced on Instagram by his pal and bandmate Philip Bailey.

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"I met him in High School, and we quickly became friends and band mates. Andrew Paul Woolfolk was his name. We lost him today, after being ill of over 6 years. He has Transitioned on to the forever, from this Land of the dying to the Land of the Living," Bailey wrote on Instagram. "Great memories. Great Talent. Funny. Competitive. Quick witted. And always styling. Booski…  I’ll see you on the other side, my friend."

Musician Brandon Williams also paid tribute to Wookfolk on Twitter. "Rest well, Andrew Woolfolk. Saxophonist for Earth, Wind & Fire’s classic period. One of my absolute favorites because he made every note count. You may not know his face or his name, but he was an integral part of THE sound. Wow... Thank you for the music, brother," he wrote.

Born in Texas in 1950, Woolfolk joined 'Earth, Wind & Fire' in 1972, three years after the band was formed. The band eventually became extremely popular and went on to win six Grammys. It also sold millions of records during the 1970s and early 1980s. Woolfolk, who attended East High School in Denver, Colorado, collaborated with artists such as Deniece Williams, Stanley Turrentine, Phil Collins, Twennynine, Philip Bailey, and Level 42. He was inducted into the Colorado Music Hall of Fame in 2017. 

Tributes poured in on social media after the news of Woolfolk's death surfaced. "RIP Andrew Woolfolk (October 11, 1950 – April 24, 2022) - saxophonist from Earth, Wind and Fire," one user wrote on Twitter, adding, "I'll be paying tribute to Andrew by playing an hour of EWF tracks on my vinyl-only show on Colourful Radio this Saturday If there's a EWF track you'd like to hear let me know". Another user said, "Peaceful Journey Andrew Woolfolk of Earth Wind and Fire. You were one of my childhood heroes."

"Devastating. “Let’s Groove Tonight” is forever that jam. Fly High Sweet Soul Andrew Woolfolk. I am praying for his life and legacy and his family, friends, and loved ones and you all’s health and happiness. RIP Andrew Woolfolk. May God Rest His Soul and Bless You All," one user wrote, while another said, "RIH to this gifted and talented OG from Earth, Wind and Fire. Take a bow Andrew Woolfolk!" "EW&F shaped my life in 1975 after losing my mom. It brought me out of depression and moved me to live on. Forever grateful to the group," one user commented.