Fred White, drummer of the legendary band Earth, Wind & Fire, has died at the age of 67.
Fred’s brother and bandmate, Verdine White confirmed his death in an Instagram post on Jan 1. At time of publication a cause of death hadn’t been released.
“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!,” Verdine wrote.
“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!!”
Frederick Eugene Adams was born Jan. 13, 1955 in Chicago to Edna and Verdine White Sr. He was raised in a family full of musicians including older brothers Verdine Jr. and the late Maurice White.
As a young drum maestro, Fred toured with Donny Hathaway before graduating high school. Maurice moved to Los Angeles in 1970, launching Earth, Wind & Fire, Verdine joined a few months later.
Fred joined EWF before his 20th birthday in 1974 and stayed with the group through the mid-1980s, performing on all six of the group’s albums.
His talents really stand out on “Shining Star” “Let’s Groove” and “September.”
Fred eventually left the group in the mid-1980s but he was present for their Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction in 2000. He continued singing with artists including Diana Ross and Bonnie Raitt. He most recently appeared on Ross’ 2021 comeback album.
Sources: The Guardian, NPR, Variety, Instagram, Variety
