Although Maurice had a hard time with his band initially, he did not give up and gradually he managed to revamp it with new members that included Philip Bailey (singer), Larry Dunn (keyboardist) and Al McKay (guitarist). It released in 2016. Boogie Wonderland, on which the band collaborated with the singing sister-act the Emotions, sold more than a million copies and was in the British singles charts for three months. Their slick blend of panache and optimism owed much to the songwriting, producing and vocals of Maurice White, who has died aged 74. Soon after in 1969, he formed his own band – ‘Salty Peppers’ along with his friends, Wade Flemons and Don Whitehead in Chicago and devoted himself to work for its success. [121][122] He also featured as a guest artist on Jazz saxophonist Kirk Whalum's 2003 album Into My Soul. Williams was a former backup vocalist for Stevie Wonder's band Wonderlove. White collaborated with the Japanese band Dreams Come True on two songs: "Wherever You Are" from their 1994 album "Delicious," and "Eternity," which appeared on the soundtrack for the 1994 animated film The Swan Princess. For many years, they lived in the South Shore section on the South Side. Earth, Wind & Fire).IMDB reports Soul! These 10 Whopping Homes & Cars Of Celebrities Look Amazing! In 2000, he was involved as the executive producer of Xpression group’s album – ‘Power’, along with Maestro Curtis.

[105] The album rose to No. “We’ve touched so many people with these songs,” he reflected in 2000. 22 on the Billboard Top Contemporary Jazz Albums chart. He was never married to Marilyn read his book. [153] Additionally, their brother Fred joined the band in 1974, when the band recorded "Devotion". Join Facebook to connect with Marilyn White and others you may know. It was while he was at the conservatory that he got the call to fill in for a drummer a Betty Everett session. 30 on the Billboard Hot Soul Singles chart. As a young adult, Maurice Whiteattended the Chicago Conservatory of Music. In 1962, along with other studio musicians at Chess, he was a member of the Jazzmen, who later became the Pharaohs. [143][144], White wrote and produced songs for the feature films Coming to America, A Low Down Dirty Shame, and Gatchaman OVA. I have learned so much from (Maurice) and he actually said that he learned a lot from me. Maurice first born is Hemeya “MiMi” White his only daughter by Evelyn of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, his second child and first son is by Marilyn, his name is Kahbran Starr White “KB” he travels with EWF and handles Maurice’s estate, His youngest son is by Ellene Warren the clothing designer the one Maurice called his soulmate in his book, this sons name is Eden White. [106][107] He also appeared on Marcus Miller's 1993 album The Sun Don't Lie. 32 on the UK Pop Singles chart. He went by the nickname of "Reese". 33 on the US Billboard 200 charts. It was the first project of Maurice White’s and Charles Stepney’s production company called the Kalimba Productions. 4 on the Billboard Contemporary Jazz Albums chart and No. [98] He then made a guest appearance on Cher's 1987 self-titled LP. He won seven Grammy awards, with the band or as an individual performer; Earth, Wind & Fire will receive the Recording Academy’s lifetime achievement award this year.

Signing to the Capitol label, the trio called themselves the Salty Peppers and enjoyed moderate success with a 1969 single, La La Time. In 1969, in the Trio’s ‘Another Voyage’ album, Maurice White deftly played the African thumb piano or kalimba in the track ‘Uhuru’.

[101][102] White also produced El DeBarge on his 1992 LP In The Storm. [87] He also produced Ramsey Lewis on his 1985 album Fantasy. White was a married father of three and owned two homes in California, one in Carmel Valley and the other a four-level condominium in Los Angeles. It got featured on the Pop charts at number 45 and on the R&B charts at number 5. [92][93][94], White also produced Neil Diamond on his 1986 album Headed for the Future. 10 on the Billboard Jazz Albums chart. He still records with the group and performs occasionally. As a producer, Maurice White released Ramsey Lewis’ albums like ‘Sun Goddess’ (1974), ‘Salongo’ (1976) and ‘Sky Islands’ (1973); Jennifer Holiday’s ‘Feel My Soul’ (1983), Barbra Streisand’s ‘Emotion’ (1984), Atlantic Starr’s ‘All in the Name of Love’ (1986), and Neil Diamond’s ‘Headed for the Future’ (1986). With the Trio White also played on 1966's The Movie Album and 1967's Goin' Latin. [90][91] White later co-produced Pieces of a Dream's 1986 LP Joyride. Born on June 29, 1953 in Providence R.I., Marilyn was the beloved daughter of John Lawrence McKnight II and Eileen Rita Dillon. He still records with the group and performs occasionally. He was the founder, leader, main songwriter, and producer of the band Earth, Wind & Fire, and served as the band's co-lead singer with Philip Bailey. A self-titled solo album (1985) included a hit single in the form of a cover of Ben E King’s Stand By Me. His younger brother is still part of the band he founded. [45] The album got to No. On the morning of February 4, 2016, White died in his sleep at his Los Angeles home from the effects of Parkinson's disease. Maurice White pioneered the use of kalimba in mainstream music by introducing it in the sounds of his band, ‘Earth, Wind & Fire’. Born in: Memphis, Tennessee, United States, place of death: Los Angeles, California, United States, U.S. State: Tennessee, African-American From Tennessee, See the events in life of Maurice White in Chronological Order. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are ok with it. Maurice White was married to Marilyn and is survived by his wife, two sons and one daughter. White then moved from Chicago to Los Angeles, and altered the name of the band to Earth, Wind & Fire, the band's new name reflecting the elements in his astrological chart. He is survived by his wife, his two sons, and his brothers Verdine and Fred. He won a Grammy Award for the Best Instrumental Arrangement Accompanying Vocalist for 1978’s named as “Get to Get You into My Life.” He also has four American Music Awards under his belt. J.D. Another brother, Fred, also played drums with the band in its heyday. Last modified on Tue 28 Nov 2017 21.59 EST.

He attracted attention by playing on the records of popular artists like Sonny Stitt, The Impressions, Muddy Waters, Fontella Bass, Etta James, Betty Everett, Buddy Guy, Billy Stewart, Sugar Pie DeSanto, etc.

[125][126][127][128][129][130], White executively produced jazz musician Brian Culbertson's album Bringing Back The Funk which was released in 2008 on GRP Records. Comin' Atcha peaked at number 20 on the UK albums chart and was certified Silver in the UK by the BPI. [41] The single, "I've Got the Next Dance", also reached No. [36][37] A single entitled "Baby, Baby My Love's All for You" got to No. [64][65] White went on to produce Ramsey Lewis' 1974 album Sun Goddess. 16 on the Billboard Hot Soul Songs chart. He was romantically linked to singers Chaka Khan and Deniece Williams before marrying Marilyn White. Also, he took an interest in playing drums at the local nightclubs in Chicago. Maurice White Net Worth, House, Cars, Family & Friends. A song from the album called Always Remember got to No. [75][76] Mr. Gone rose to No. While in the group White was introduced in a Chicago drum store to the African thumb piano or kalimba. His younger brother, Verdine White, is still a part of the ‘Earth, Wind & Fire’ band as a backing vocalist and attends the tours as well. Earth, Wind & Fire: The Eternal Dance. Urban Knights II featured appearances by Ramsey Lewis, Paulinho Da Costa, Verdine White, singer-songwriter and guitarist Jonathan Butler and jazz saxophonist Najee. His father, Verdine, was a doctor and saxophone player. After his retirement, occasionally White appeared with Earth, Wind & Fire at key public celebrations, including the Grammy Awards Tribute to Funk event in 2004. Released at the 2004 Sundance Film Festival, the film was based on Melvin Van Peebles' struggles to film and distribute the movie Sweet Sweetback's Baadasssss Song. He had Parkinson. Young was also replaced by Cleveland Eaton. This cool musician originating from Memphis, Tennessee, USA has a slim body & square face type. He greatly contributed to some famous albums like ‘Wade in the Water’(1966), ‘The Movie Album’ (1966), ‘Goin’ Latin’ (1967), ‘Dancing in the Street’ (1967), ‘Up Pops Ramsey Lewis’ (1967), and ‘The Piano Player’ (1969).