Photo: Getty Images
Former Earth, Wind & Fire drummer Fred White has died, according to Billboard. He was 67.
On Sunday (January 1), Verdine White, Fred's brother and former bandmate, announced on social media that the drummer had died.
“Our family is saddened today with the loss of an amazing and talented family member. Our beloved brother Frederick Eugene ‘Freddie’ White,” Verdine wrote on Instagram in tribute to his late brother.
Fred's cause of death remains unknown. While the date of his death also remains unclear, it appears Fred died before the new year, with the tribute noting “In memoriam: Fred White, 1955-2022.”
The Earth, Wind & Fire drummer was born on January 13, 1955 in Chicago. He started drumming at the age of 9 and joined the Grammy award-winning band in 1974. Fred was with the group when they recorded their most classic hits including “Shining Star,” “Let’s Groove,” “September,” “Sing a Song,” “After the Love Has Gone,” “Boogie Wonderland," and more.
He left Earth, Wind & Fire in the 1980s, but returned for their Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction in 2000.
Fred's death comes after legendary saxophonist for Earth, Wind & Fire Andrew Woolfolk died earlier this year.
“He was the wonderful bro that was always entertaining and delightfully mischievous!" Verdine said of his brother on Sunday. "And we could always count on him to make a seemingly bad situation more light-hearted.”
Rest in peace, Fred White.
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