Maurice White

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Maurice White - Munich, Germany 1975

Maurice White (born December 19, 1941) is an American soul, funk, and R&B singer, songwriter, musician, record producer, and bandleader.

[edit] Career

White is best known for founding and fronting the legendary R&B band Earth, Wind & Fire, and has also been instrumental in the careers of groups such as The Emotions.

White was born in Memphis, Tennessee. After a three-year stint with Ramsey Lewis, White went on to develop Earth, Wind & Fire with local singers around Chicago. The band moved to Los Angeles in 1970, and was reformed with new members in 1971. They experienced major success with fifteen hit singles and twenty-six gold and platinum albums. Two of White's brothers performed with him in Earth, Wind & Fire: bassist Verdine and drummer Fred.

Maurice has produced many famous artists, including Barbra Streisand, The Emotions, Ramsey Lewis, Jennifer Holliday, Deniece Williams, and Neil Diamond, and also many Japanese and international artists, such as I + II Urban Knights with Ramsey Lewis.

He released one solo album, Maurice White, in 1985. Maurice is set to release his new solo album Interpetations in February 2007. White also worked with Gregory Hines' brother, Maurice Hines in 2006 to release the Broadway Play Hot Feet featuring the music of Earth Wind & Fire. White also wrote several new pieces along with Alee Willis.

In the late 1990s White was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease.