Maurice White Death: 'Perfectionist' Earth, Wind And Fire Founder Leaves Legacy Of Music

The death of Maurice White, one of the most influential artists in history, has left a huge loss in the music industry. The Earth, Wind and Fire founder passed away at 74 years old on Feb. 4, the Associated Press reported.

White founded the chart-topping band that is popularly known for hits like "Shining Star," "September" and "Boogie Wonderland."

The AP said White died in his home in Los Angeles, California.

The musician had been suffering silently from Parkinsons for years, even as the Earth, Wind and Fire was still performing after all these years.

"My brother, hero and best friend Maurice White passed away peacefully last night in his sleep," Verdine White told the Associated Press about the death.

"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."

Maurice's Parkinson's Disease may have begun as early as the 1980s but the diagnosis came at a much later time. He eventually stopped joining the band on tours because he could no longer keep up with the rigors of touring.

In its article about Maurice White's death, TMZ said the diagnosis of his disease came as early as 1992, before he stopped touring around 1994.

The Earth, Wind and Fire founder showed musical talent at a young age. He eventually studied at the Chicago Conservancy. Back in the 1960s he worked with the Impressions and Muddy Waters among others. He also sidelined as session drummer.

"Maurice had a fierce work ethic. We learned from him to have the same type of work ethic," White's bandmate Philip Bailey told Billboard.

"He was a consummate perfectionist. So being 21 years old when we started this whole thing, he taught me to do this at a very high level."