Earth Wind & Fire founder Maurice White, whose horn-driven band sold more than 90m albums has died of Parkinson’s Disease.

Maurice White’s brother Verdine issued a brief statement: “My brother, hero and best friend Maurice White passed away peacefully last night in his sleep. While the world has lost another great musician and legend, our family asks that our privacy is respected as we start what will be a very difficult and life changing transition in our lives. Thank you for your prayers and well wishes.”

Earth Wind & Fire, a nine-piece band featuring the two White brothers, singer Philip Bailey and that trademark horn section, were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2000. Earth Wind & Fire’s most successful period started with the 1975 album That’s The Way of The World and continued through the rest of the decade with hits like September, Shining Star, After the Love has Gone and Boogie Wonderland.

Earth Wind & Fire’s early sound was jazzy, but evolved into an exuberant, horn-driven mix of jazz, funk, gospel and Big Band music. They were a great stage act with a energetic dancing, fog machines, multi-coloured light shows and glittery costumes. Earth, Wind & Fire epitomised the disco movement and culture in the late 1970s.

For the Record Press author, my introduction to Earth Wind & Fire was their 1978 single Fantasy and I still feel it was their best song, hence it heads up this Top 5 Best Earth Wind & Fire Songs –

Top 5 Best Earth Wind & Fire Songs

 
1) Fantasy ( UK No14 1978 )

2) After the Love has Gone ( UK No4 1979 )

3) September ( UK No3 1978 )

4) Let’s Groove ( UK No3 1981 )

5) Boogie Wonderland ( UK No4 1979 )

 
Which are your favourite Earth Wind & Fire songs & why? Let us know in the Reply Box below.

Celebrate your love of Earth Wind & Fire by ordering a favourite Earth Wind & Fire song as a framed and mounted vinyl single. If you are buying it as a gift, you can personalise it with an inscribed / engraved plaque. ORDER NOW www.myfirstrecord.co.uk/

Framed vinyl singles and framed CDs with a personalised plaque, make unique presents or original gifts for a special celebration  / special occasion ie a Wedding ( Wedding First Dance Song ), an Engagement Party ( Our Song ), a House Warming Party ( New Home ), a 21st, 30th, 40th, 50th, 60th Birthday ( How about the No1 song on the day of birth? ), a Silver, Ruby or Golden Wedding Anniversary, Father’s or Mother’s Day or Valentine’s Day. 

THE PERFECT PERSONALISED PRESENT.  ORDER@ www.myfirstrecord.co.uk/