Fred White, an American drummer and one of the early members of Earth, Wind & Fire has died. Fred White was born on January 13, 1955 and died on January 1, 2023 at age 67.
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Fred’s demise was announced by his 71-year-old brother Verdine White – who was a founder and bassist on Earth, Wind & Fire – on Sunday (Jan 1. 2023) via social media.
A cause of death was not stated.
Verdine White wrote:
‘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.’
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‘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.”
Born Frederick Eugene Adams on January 13, 1955, Fred White joined the group in 1974, before his 20th birthday.
He exited the group in the early 1980s but returned in 2000 for their Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction.
One of the most dynamic bands to come out of the 1970s, Earth, Wind & Fire had several hit songs that included jazz, R&B, soul, funk, disco and pop.
Earth, Wind & Fire has sold over 90million records and is considered one of the most successful bands of all time.
Fred White also played drums on Donny Hathaway’s Live album.
Fred White continued to sing with artists including Diana Ross and Bonnie Raitt, most recently on Ross’ 2021 comeback album until his death on Jan 1, 2023 at age 67.
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