Another one of our national music treasures has gone to the heavens. Earth, Wind & Fire’s co-founder Maurice White died earlier this year, losing his battle with Parkinson’s disease; dying peacefully at his home in Los Angeles.
In 1969, windy city musicians Maurice White, Al McKay, Andrew Woolfolk, Philip Bailey, Verdine White and Larry Dunn formed the Salty Peppers. They had regional success as the Salty Peppers, but eventually changed their name to Earth Wind & Fire as Maurice was fascinated with his astrological sign, and chose the elements Earth, Wind & Fire as the bands new name.
EWF was the first African-American act to sell out Madison Square Garden in 2000, and were later inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. EWF sold over 90 million albums through their popular run, earning 20 Grammy nominations, winning six times. Maurice and Philip Bailey also won solo Grammys outside the band.
Maurice was also a successful producer in the studio in the 70s and 80s, having worked with Barbra Streisand and Cher. Earth, Wind & Fire will be honored at the Grammy Awards ceremony on Feb. 15.
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