02 January 2023 , 17:31
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Iconic Earth, Wind & Fire drummer Fred White has died age 67.
The musician's brother and bandmate Verdine White confirming the news on January 1.
"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," it read.
"He joins our brothers Maurice, Monte and Ronald in heaven and is now drumming with the angels! 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."
It continued: "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!’
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Earth, Wind & Fire drummer Fred White has passed away aged 67"He will live in our hearts forever, rest in power beloved Freddie!! We thank you all for your love, blessings and support at this time. Soar high baby bro, we love you to the shining [stars] and back!"
Fred's full name was Frederick Eugene Adams and he was born in Chicago in 1955.
At just 15 years old, he joined Donny Hathaway and they started touring together as a band, The Salty Peppers.
The band later became Earth, WInd & Fire, which is known for their hits September and Let's Groove.
In 1974, Fred joined Verdine and their brother Maurice in Earth, Wind & Fire.
Fred was 67 years oldFans and friends paid tribute to the star, with Lenny Kravitz writing: "Sending my love and deepest condolences to you and the family.
"I was blessed to have been in his presence and blessed to have been influenced by him. A true king. Rest in power."
One person wrote: "Sending so much love to your family."
Earth Wind and Fire had many huge hits"So saddened by your loss and sending you love!" another wrote while one added: "Sorry for your loss. May He Rest In Peace."
The news of Fred's death comes almost a year after the band's saxophonist Andrew Woolfolk died at the age of 71.
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He had a six-year health battle before his death.
Earth Wind & Fire were inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2000.
The band has also won six Grammys out of 17 nominations and four American Music Awards out of 12 nominations.