The co-founder and front man of the iconic Earth, Wind & Fire passed away in his sleep in Los Angeles this morning, his brother Verdine White told the press. White was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in the early 1990s, and though he remained involved in the group throughout the rest of his life, he had not toured with them since 1994. White founded Earth, Wind & Fire with Verdine in 1969. The band featured vocals from the brothers, a distinctive falsetto from Philip Bailey, and a sound that blended jazz, funk, gospel, soul, and rock. The group hit it big in the 1970s with the album That’s the Way of the World (1975), earning its first number one hit with “Shining Star.” Later hits included “September,” “Let’s Groove,” and a cover of the Beatles’ “Got to Get You Into My Life.” RIP. : Harry Langdon.

May his soul rest in peace.

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