We Remember Maurice White. ‘Earth, White & Fire’
This day (February 4, 2016), in Los Angeles, California, died Maurice White, an American singer, songwriter and founder of Earth, Wind & Fire.
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Maurice White: A Musical Visionary
Maurice White was an influential American musician, songwriter, record producer, arranger, and band leader, best known as the founder of Earth, Wind & Fire.
Born on December 19, 1941, in Memphis, Tennessee, White grew up in the Foote Homes housing project in South Memphis, raised by his grandmother. His early exposure to gospel music in the church choir and his experiences with neighborhood friends like Booker T. Jones shaped his initial interest in music. Frequent visits to his mother and stepfather in Chicago further broadened his musical horizons, as jazz became a significant influence on him and his younger brothers, Verdine and Fred.
White attended the Chicago Conservatory of Music, where his passion for percussion and drumming flourished. His early influences ranged from gospel, blues, and jazz to artists like Mahalia Jackson, Ray Charles, Miles Davis, and Sly and the Family Stone, which laid the foundation for his eclectic musical style.
Career Beginnings
In the mid-1960s, White worked as a session drummer at Chess Records, contributing to hits such as Fontella Bass’s “Rescue Me” and Etta James’s “Summer Time.” He later joined the Ramsey Lewis Trio, playing on nine albums and gaining exposure to new musical elements, including the African kalimba, which would become a defining feature of his work.
White left the Ramsey Lewis Trio in 1969, driven by a desire to connect with younger audiences. He moved to Los Angeles and formed The Salty Peppers, which achieved moderate success. In 1971, he rebranded the group as Earth, Wind & Fire, naming it after the elements in his astrological sign, Sagittarius. His vision for the band was to blend diverse musical styles with messages of positivity and unity, setting a new standard for black pop music.
Earth, Wind & Fire initially faced challenges but developed a sophisticated sound that combined funk, jazz, R&B, and soul, becoming a cultural phenomenon.
Innovations and Musical Style
White’s music was characterized by its fusion of genres, use of the kalimba, and incorporation of African and tribal elements. His compositions often explored themes of love, spirituality, and self-empowerment, aiming to inspire dignity and self-worth. The band’s performances were renowned for their theatricality, featuring pyrotechnics, magic, and levitation, which set them apart from contemporaries.
Earth, Wind & Fire embraced changing musical trends, incorporating disco and electronic music into their repertoire. White’s leadership and creativity pushed the boundaries of black pop music, making it more inclusive and innovative. The Phoenix Horns became a signature component of the band’s sound, further enhancing their unique style.
White’s ability to merge technical proficiency with emotional depth established him as a trailblazer in the music industry.
Leadership and Challenges
As the band’s leader, White was known for his demanding standards and unwavering vision. While his dedication brought success, it also created tension within the group and his personal life. White was deeply private, often meditating and manifesting after performances rather than engaging in social events. His career commitments impacted his relationships with his children, a regret he carried later in life.
White faced challenges stemming from his light complexion and struggled with acceptance during his youth. Diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 1987, he retired from touring in 1994 but continued to write, produce, and mentor.
Despite these struggles, White remained committed to his artistic ideals, shaping the sound and direction of Earth, Wind & Fire until his passing.
Legacy
Maurice White’s contributions to music extended beyond his work with Earth, Wind & Fire. He founded Kalimba Productions, collaborating with artists like The Emotions and Deniece Williams. His influence reached iconic performers such as Cher, Neil Diamond, and Barbra Streisand. The band’s induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2000 and the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2010 underscored his impact on the industry.
White’s work continues to resonate, with Earth, Wind & Fire’s music serving as a touchstone for contemporary hip-hop and R&B. With seven Grammy wins and 20 nominations, his legacy is a testament to his artistry and innovation.
White passed away in his sleep on February 4, 2016, at the age of 74. His music and vision remain a powerful influence on popular culture.
Photo : Official website
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