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Maurice White

1941 - 2016

BORN

1941

DIED

2016

Maurice White Obituary

Maurice White, the founder and leader of the legendary R&B group Earth, Wind & Fire, has died at the age of 74, according to multiple news sources.

White died at home in Los Angeles on Wednesday, said his brother, Verdine White. Maurice was diagnosed with Parkinson's in 1992 but his condition deteriorated in recent months, reports TMZ.

Maurice White was the band's main songwriter and record producer, and was co-lead singer along with Philip Bailey. White won a total of seven Grammys, and was nominated for 21 Grammys in total. He is also a member of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.

He was born in Memphis, Tennessee in 1941. He moved to Chicago when he was a teenager and did session work as a drummer for Chess Records. He played on records by notable artists including Etta James and Buddy Guy. He eventually joined the Ramsey Lewis Trio as their drummer. He then moved to Los Angeles where he formed the band Earth, Wind & Fire.

Earth, Wind & Fire has sold over 100 million records. The many hit songs by the band include "September", "Shining Star", and "That's the Way of the World."

Earth, Wind & Fire tweeted this tribute:

Our brother Maurice White passed peacefully in his sleep this morning.

The light is he, shining on you and me.
Published by Lawrence Journal-World on Feb. 4, 2016.

Memories and Condolences
for Maurice White

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1624 Entries

Yvonne Johnson

June 2, 2025

Maurice u will always be famous I will always remember u as my Shining star we will meet one Day on the Shore of Jordan and we will all have Devotion Forever and Forever The way of the World u are In the Master Hands

Yvonne Johnson

June 2, 2025

Steven Rivers

March 9, 2025

Never knew one man with such a special talent.. would love to see your grave

Dorothy Lawson

March 3, 2025

Loved this group and I went to every concert they had in Las Vegas. He is still singing in Heaven. RIP MAURICE

Rd Adams

February 20, 2025

You inspire even though you"re flying
and your aura is still deeply felt thru the instrumentals & vocal of today, and the thank you for providing & leaving us with a backdrop to this thing called life...

SusN Hampton

February 5, 2025

Thinking of you since yesterday 9 years ago you left this earth. I want to thank you for the wonderful music you shared with us. It touches my heart forever!

Maria

December 8, 2024

Gran perdida para los que seguían a esta banda, con esa hermosura de música, Moris, nunca te olvidaré, siempre te escucho, y a veces estoy triste, pero tú voz y tu ritmo, me da vida de nuevo.Eternamente en mis oraciones.

Carson Loveless

July 9, 2024

Condolences to his family

Linda M Jefferson

February 5, 2024

Maurice

I love and miss you every day. I listen to your music every day before I start work. I also see the band that you created each and every year, sometimes twice a year. May God continue to cradle you in his loving arms

Linda M Jefferson
Your number one fan ever

Susan Hampton

February 4, 2024

Eight years ago you left this earth, but the world still feel your very presence thru your wonderful music. I’m sad , but that’s the way of the world. While I keep my head to the sky, I jam into boogie wonderland, always thinking of you!!

SusanHampton

February 4, 2023

Today 7 years ago you left this earth, but yet so much of you is still and always will be here with us and that is your music. It touched so many lives all over the globe and I want to express my gratitude for that. Al, thru my teens and adult life, ups and downs your music was with me to keep me going and lift my spirit! THANK YOU!

Susan Hampton

January 19, 2023

Even though it´s almost 7 years ago since you left this earth, your presence is still here when I hear your songs. They bring back memories about my life. I´m still sad, but I guess that´s the way of the world.

Susan Hampton

January 18, 2023

Maurice, I love your music still so much. Thank you for bringing so much joy in my life with your wonderful songs. I named my only son after you. Earth, Wind &Fire FORVER!

Onna Lee

November 28, 2022

Always loved EWF and always will. Love you Maurice Thank you for sharing your talent with all of us. God bless you and your family my Shining Star

Judith Poppell

October 13, 2022

Always Rest in Peace

Judith Poppell

October 13, 2022

Always loved the music of Earth, Wind and Fire. Just discovered the passing of Maurice and wanted to express my condolences. Great talent and sad to also hear of his daughter Mimi passing. May they both always rest in peace. Thank you for the uplifting music, for being such an amazing innovator and man. Your music is even now more special to me. God bless

Thelma Kilman

May 26, 2021

May you rest in peace in the arms of our Lord Jesus. Thank you so much for the wonderful, great music. I will always enjoy watching you on youtube with the band. Love your music. Missing you.

ROSLYN COLLINS

April 9, 2021

The Worlds' Greatest Master Music Maker and Song Writer/Singer of all time! Six decades of his genius and talent will ever be with us. I think his soul was inhabited by beings of the ancient past and the celestial future! My life has been made so much better because of you! I love you and miss you! So glad your 'Shining Star' came to visit our planet! Rest on Brother! Aww! Yao! Well!

Deirdre Griffin-Allen

March 9, 2021

I know it's 2021, but I continue to thank God for the gift He gave us in Maurice White and Earth Wind and Fire. My brother whom I affectionately called Nannygoat, introduced me to Earth Wind and Fire, in the early 70's. We both loved the music dearly and treasured it. When listening, I told my brother aside Phillip Bailey, there was a very unique good sounding "voice" in the music that I really loved ...My brother laughed and said.. "Maurice! " When Maurice passed, it was like loosing family. My brother passed recently, and our favorite song..That's The Way Of The World, was played at his Homegoing service in January 2020. It's what my brother would have wanted. Loosing them was definitely a change I was not ready for, but now they both have unyielding love, beauty and comfort from our Creator, The Most High. Nothing can compare. I love you and miss you Nannygoat & Maurice. May you continue to rest peacefully in the loving arms of our Father God & Saviour.

Elaine Mgboji

February 13, 2021

Will never forget the wonderful music you bought into my life. Be ever wonderful i am, because of you! RIP

James Ron Nichols

December 17, 2020

I loved your Music and I was able to see you at the top of your game in Ogden Utah WOW it was a show I never will forget with Magic as well on the set I love you brother and so do my Kids We always play your Albums because they are timeless God keep you in the highest esteem Love James Ron Nichols

Pamela Myers

November 14, 2020

Maurice White, I sure do miss you and hope Divine Creator holds you safe now. Until we blend on the other side rest in peace. Thank you for being my first love. Wish life would have been better for both of us Recees Pieces. Stars still shine bright to hold what you taught me with PURE LOVE; Thanks baby.

Don. Hernandez

October 10, 2020

I grew up in my early teens listening to Eart Wind & Fire but I'll always remember the distinct sound of Maurice's powerful voice.

Wilbert Lever

October 2, 2020

My name is Wilbert lever known as Chill Will ,my Heart go out to Maurice family and Earth,Wind and Fire! What a Group! The Greatest of All musical groups! I will continue to cherish this group of talent until I pass! RIP Maurice! We Love U and I still hear U 4 ever! Big-time!

Mike Buchanan

April 23, 2020

Maurice THANK YOU for being an inspiration in my life since the early '70s.
You truly " OPEN(ed) OUR EYES".
I feel like I list my best friend.

ROBERT E. DAVIS

March 27, 2020

Maurice! Your Shining Star glowed at the 2019 Kennedy Center Honors of Earth, Wind & Fire. Verdine, Phil, and Ralph led the nation highest approval of Artists singing your EW&F music at the First Kennedy Center induction of orchestration not only the First Black but your Genre. Unquestionably, the very best! Our bond remains strong since late 1950s, even stronger in closing, as we intwined our beliefs: Music Is The Language Of The Soul; Friendship Is Essential To The Soul. We will always sing! Your Star shines brightly my Brother; my Friend. Peace! ROBERT E. "RED" DAVIS, Lorton, VA

Beneice Butler

February 25, 2020

A piece of my heart and childhood slipped away when Maurice passed. Although I was born in the 70s, my parents created an everlasting footprint of memories from EW&F songs. I followed his solo career and still listen to his music. My heart goes out to Verdine and his family. RIP MO

Kimberly Jackson

January 26, 2020

Maurice White was a Gift to the World. Earth Wind and Fire album covers was of higher consciousness that some of us have figured out that Maurice is the Enlighten One. Rest in Power. To Maurice family and friends, thank you for sharing Maurice with the world. I know it was not always easy to do.
Maurice lives on through you .
Gone but will never be forgotten.
I Call ,remember , appreciate and write the name
Maurice White .
Love love

Fredrick King

December 2, 2019

He was a shining star that guided many musicians to rise to a level they only dreamed about. Like the burning sun, forever will his name be among those known to achieve greatness.

Mary Jane Rogers

November 17, 2019

Loved your voice! Thank you for the many years of great music!
RIP Maurice

Dwight Turner

November 16, 2019

RIP

October 16, 2019

Reast in peace bless your wife and babys

douglas thompson

October 5, 2019

Maurice White was a man ahead of his time, changing music and lives, even unto this very present day! thank you Mr, White and EWF!!!

Arlene Hicks-Sloan

August 24, 2019

As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.

Stephanie Saunders

July 4, 2019

Maurice White a true visionary. EWF is my favorite musical group. I had an opportunity to see them three times in one weekend (William and Mary Hall, Hampton Coliseum and the Richmond Coliseum), incredible. I play their music often. I felt the need tonight to watch Mr. White's Memorial Service again. God Bless him and his family.

Linda Jeffetson

January 30, 2019

Earth, Wind and Fire has been my favorite group as far back as I can remember. Their hit song, September, is especially special since they are singing about the date of my birthday. Maurice White will always be in my heart and will always be remembered. I love this group so much and every time they come to Philadelphia, my husband and I go and see them. He will always be missed and when he passed, it was like I list a member of my family I will always love you, Maurice

Ju Baker

December 29, 2018

Your life will always be a light to those us who seek it. I thank God for gift your life to masses'

Vinnie Barrett

March 7, 2018

Never forever my musical brother. Life always. !!! Imagine

Lucy

February 28, 2018

You are a wonderful musician. I love your songs and I love Earth, Wind and Fire till this day and always. I am sorry you are no longer with us here on earth but I know that we will see and hear your wonderful voice again in Heaven. I listen to your music every day. I grew up with Earth, Wind and Fire. God Bless.

CAPT Robert E. "Red" Davis, U.S. Navy, (Ret)

February 20, 2018

What a friend! Maurice and I were close friends during and after BTW High School (The Fidels, our first Do-Wop group). "Mr. Drums" introduced me to my only high school girlfriend (I never held her hand); he provided EWF concert and after-show visits; flew to Tokyo to "hang cool" where I commanded geographically dispersed military Far East telecommunications and computer facilities (he remained incognito). Always called, returned, or received my calls. Maurice graciously received my wife praying for him. My reflections and prayer considers he, like Elijah, witnessed "the WIND the EARTHquake the FIRE." 1 Kings 19:11-13. I remain his "Brother" and friend. Keep in touch guys. Rest and relaxation always, our home remains open for good friends, good food, and good fellowship. Peace!

ALEX TITE

February 8, 2018

MAURICE , MAURICE , I,M TEACHING THE YOUNG ONES NOW , AND ALL LOVE YOUR GROOVE .
SO MANY GOOD VIBES , YOUR HISTORY WILL NOT BE FORGOTTEN ,I HAVE SAVED AND SELECTED ALL EWF ORIGINAL RECORDS FOR MY POPPING DAUGHTER .

Alvin Pearson

February 6, 2018

Maurice I have enjoyed your music for over 15 years your strength will always be remembered

Eli Richardson

January 31, 2018

rest in peace my brother, your music will never die, it will ago on, still with your voice, left here for us to never forget you, not only as a singer, but a very great artist, Thanks for your music.

Kimball Credle

January 17, 2018

I miss you, my brother!

Danielle Simmons

December 3, 2017

Maurice, you and EWF are the soundtrack of my life. Rest in Heaven

Hazel Lynch

October 21, 2017

Your music will forever be a part of my life! Love to you and family.

John Humphrey

September 15, 2017

Rest my Brother, I grew up on your music...

Joan Small

July 20, 2017

I listen to your music every morning driving to work and on the way home. I just can't get enough of your music. You are truly missed. Thank You for your contribution to the world of music. When I hear It's All About Love. It touch my heart so. Earth Wind and Fire will forever be my favorite group.
No other come close. RIP Love You.

bill dailey

July 10, 2017

Love you my brother. in 1976 your influence enabled me to study drums, pecussion and music composition. nearly all of my writtings have your influence... thank you for your gift of music... Bill D.

Christopher Arrigali

July 9, 2017

Today I just finished reading Maurice's book, "My Life With Earth, Wind & Fire" - what he'd refer to as his "last album." Words can't express the gratitude I have for this man's contribution to music, society and mankind. Maurice, your physical presence will be sorely missed. But your music, your spirit and your legacy will live on forever.

June 30, 2017

rest in peace mr white you will be missed

Marilyn Carr-Dennis

June 3, 2017

RIP Maurice. I've enjoyed your music so much. I am sure your singing and playing for the angels.

BAMIL

May 6, 2017

Maurice, Thanks for your teaching and legacy. Your music, leadership and personality will live forever in our hearts. Rest In Peace.
Singer-Songwriter/Producer
BAMIL

April 11, 2017

You are a shining star brother.
Brenda Franklin Clanton Al

Rob StGeorge

March 30, 2017

I was never without EW&F music and we did covers in almost every band I was ever associated with. As an ICON of R&B Soul music, Maurice & EW&F will always be with me, and I will end my time on this earth covering Stand By Me as a live solo act (one man band). You will be sorely missed, Maurice. The world lost a true genius singer/songwriter/ performer/producer. Condolences to all his family and friends who knew him. Wish I had.

Ally Que

March 25, 2017

I grooved and danced to EWF in the 70s in Singapore and to this day, I still enjoy their music. My daughter also enjoys EWF. Thanks Maurice and EWF for the music. I was lucky last month to be invited to a private performance of EWF here in Singapore and it was my wish come true. God bless EWF and their music.

john W.

March 19, 2017

God bless you Moe. And, thanks for the wonderful music.

Nazarene Mckinney

March 13, 2017

Your music made us dance and sing the words with joy! You will never be forgotten!

barbara jeanes

March 9, 2017

one of my favorite singer. God Bless his family and band members may your soul rest in peace with Jesus

February 23, 2017

The countless hours that I spent listening to EWF got me and many more through some of the hardest times of our lives. That music was innovative and inspirational. "We just wanna give Gratitude."

Sheila Marshall

February 11, 2017

My deepest sympathies go out to the family of Mr. White. We will continue to be blessed with his music as long as we're able to hear.

February 10, 2017

Maurice - Will never tire of listening to the wonderful music you and the band produced. Together with the memories of the 2 live shows I attended, they are and always will be a part of my life.Peace ever after. Robert Brown Auckland New Zealand

Alan

February 5, 2017

The light of you continues to shine on us below.
The Mastery of music you have shared truly was God gifted for all to enjoy. We miss you.

Tanya Lewis

February 4, 2017

My thoughts go out to his family and the other menbers if Earth Wind and Fire me and my husband love your music my god bless his family.

T

January 31, 2017

I can't believe it's almost been a year since God gave you your beautiful & most deserving wings. It seems just like yesterday. Your passing absolutely left a HUGH WHOLE in my heart, but who am I to question God? I could never THANK YOU enough for all the AMAZING MEMORIES & for BLESSING this world with the GREATEST MUSIC of our lifetimes. I've almost gotten to the point where I can listen to EWF music without shedding tears or changing the song. I suppose in time it'll ease up a bit. Maurice may you continue to Rest In Perfect Peace. YOU ARE LOVED & MISSED BEYOND MEASURES...

Vivian Thornton

January 29, 2017

May God Bless This Legend.

Sandie Cooper

December 30, 2016

Maurice-I was about 12 yrs old when I first heard the song "Getaway" playing on the radio-I was in awe and immediately wanted to know "Who was this group?"-EWF and those phonix horns-from that moment on anyone who knew me best knew you were and still the soundtrack of my life-I have EWF in my car, house, iPhone everywhere I go-home or on vacation-I have seen you in person three times-pictures hanging in my woman crave-your music will continue to uplift me during the ups and downs of life-I still continue to see the current EWF with Verdine, Ralph & Philip (Apollo NYC 2015)-I know you are a "Shining Star for all the Reasons for us To Keep Our Heads To The Sky Singing A Song with Devotion knowing you know Where Have All The Flowers Gone for we are the System Of Survival, Fantasy and Gratitude while playing your kalimba in Boogie Wonderland which brings Mighty Mighty feelings that Can't Hide Love in September with Serpentine Fire Be Ever Wonderful After The Love Is Gone In Tne Stone For That's The Way Of The World Want To Be With You Thinking Of You-you will live inside my heart forever-play on with love!

Andrew Williams

November 23, 2016

Maurice will always be remembered as a loving soul who shared his talent of peace and love with us all. I was fortunate to have seen one of the first performances in Minneapolis the year 1969. Peace and love!

November 10, 2016

Great performer and a great singer. will be missed for his vocals and showmanship. God bless him and his family.
Tony Frazier (Atlanta Ga.)

Elaine Crockett

October 2, 2016

I still enjoy the music immensely, and it will always be current and relevant!

Continued blessings to the family.

Paulette Patterson

September 27, 2016

One of the best group in my era.Maurice u will be missed on earth but,Your voice will last forever.RIP

Denise Williams

September 27, 2016

Love is the Mr Maurice White

Denise Williams

September 27, 2016

My life was forever changed in 1976. We traveled from Little Rock, AR. to a Earth, Wind, & Fire concert in Memphis Tennessee. So much love filled the arena. RIL!!

vernell clay

September 24, 2016

The light of you will continue to shine forever, you are greatly missed.

A Lee

September 5, 2016

Sincere condolences to Mr. Maurice White's loved ones. His music is the soundtrack to many lives he touched. Rest in peace Mr WhiteA

Linda Statham

August 26, 2016

RIP Mr. White, may you rest lovingly in the arms of our Lord

jeffrey jordan

August 19, 2016

i want to express my deep sadness to verdine and family on reeces passing

adrienne graham

July 31, 2016

really gona miss you love!

Karen Goodman

July 7, 2016

It's all about love .. The song of my life !! It's sooooo true that if you don't have LOVE in your life then you truly have nothing!! I cannot thank you enough ever ever ... For being the father of EWF and giving me endless happiness!! Your vision and strength and talent will never die! They live forever in the music!! Rest in peace my hero !! You ever loyal fan xxxxx

Linda Goffigan

July 5, 2016

Linda Goffigan, I am sorry for the family of Maurice White loss. I was watching the May 2016 Grammy's and learned from Stevie Wonder on that show that he had passed. May Maurice White rest in peace.

Valenda Newell

June 26, 2016

ENTERTAINMENT at its finest, the singer, writer and producer....what more can one ask for.....A MUSICAL GENIUS .....RIP MY BROTHER

KimMe Wyatt

June 3, 2016

A couple years ago, I broadcasted a dedication show to Earth, Wind and Fire. I just had to do it, as I noticed I have so many EWF songs in my archives. Some I had heard frequently, some not so frequently and others, not @ all BUT fell in love with. I could believe how many songs this group has gifted the world with. If you're want to the show, sit back, relax and don't forget that glass of wine...REAL CHILL OUT MUSIC HERE >>>>> https://soundcloud.com/kimmewyatt/dedication-earth-wind-and-fire-ewf

MAURICE: I just want to say (and would have stated it before now, if I knew about this page), MAURICE WHITE, your dedication to your craft will NEVER be missed! I THANK YOU for tickling our ears with your soulful, joyous rhythms and I also THANK YOU for our soul brother, Phillip Bailey...I guess you already knew he would keep the legend of EWF sacred in his heart and WE THANK YOU, MAURICE! R.I.P. and when you get UP THERE...when the good Lord calls all of us for judgement, be sure to teach the angels how to play the KALIMBA!

>>

Vanessa Millender

June 2, 2016

A pioneer, and amazing musician who will be greatly missed. I thank you for sharing your gift with the world. Rest on my brother.

Johnsons

May 31, 2016

11For I well know the thoughts that I am thinking toward you,' declares Jehovah, thoughts of peace, and not of calamity, to give you a future and a hope. Jeremiah 29:11

May God bless the family with peace and comfort at this time. Earth, Wind, & Fire definitely made their mark in the industry and on the hearts of at least two generations of fans. Maurice will be missed.

Tesa White

May 24, 2016

I don't know the family of Mr white, but however I always said in the back of my mind that he was some how kn to me. Because one's last name is pass down from the four father's. My last name use to be white' and because of him' and berry white gave me hope that I can be better then where I came from in the inner city'. So I push myself to be better then the street's of the project I came out of. This man will live on in all of our heart's.

George Alvarez

May 21, 2016

Thank you Maurice for blessing our minds and our souls with your songs and your music. You have truly impacted my life in the most positive ways. You will live on eternally in our hearts.

LaVee Council

May 18, 2016

Love and miss you. One of the greatest musicians ever lived!

:(

Roberta Northington

May 9, 2016

I LOVE YOU

Tim Williams

May 5, 2016

I will always Enjoy your music You will be missed Maurice

May 4, 2016

Sincere Symphaties to the White family. He will be missed. His music and talent touched so many. Sorry for your loss.

Deborah Lewis

April 25, 2016

Maurice you'll be truly missed!
Your in GOD'S arms rest in peace.

Lonnie Jackson

April 25, 2016

Man, you were the best ever in my heart and mind. I hope to see you one day in the heavens. I love you guys. Peace.

Michael Rowlett

April 22, 2016

Now when I look in the sky,I'll definitely look to see your Shining Star.R.I.P. Maurice we love you

M Segova

April 21, 2016

Love Peace and Prosperity

Annette

April 21, 2016

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

Oliver Howard

April 21, 2016

Maurice White is one of my favorite voices of music.Thank you Maurice.

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