Rhythm and Blues Musician. He was a founding member of the influential Rhythm and Blues-Funk band "Earth, Wind & Fire." After studying at the Chicago Conservatory of Music, he gained experience as a session drummer with Chess Records, even drumming on the Fontella Bass hit single, "Rescue Me" (1965). He performed with jazz musician Ramsey Lewis, prior to forming his own group, "The Salty Peppers." White relocated to Los Angeles and renamed the band "Earth, Wind & Fire" which included his younger brother Verdine on bass, Philip Bailey on vocals, Larry Dunn on keyboards, Andrew Woolfolk on saxophone, Ralph Johnson on percussion, his youngest brother Fred White on drums & Johnny Graham and Al McKay on guitar. After signing with Columbia Records (CBS), they scored a Top-30 hit with "Mighty Mighty" (1974), followed by "Shining Star" (number one in 1975), "That's the Way of the World" (1975), "Sing A Song" (1975), "Getaway" (1976), "Serpentine Fire" (1977), their cover of The Beatles' "Got to Get You Into My Life" (1978), "September" (1978), "Boogie Wonderland" (1979), "After the Love Has Gone" (1979) and "Let's Groove" (1981). White's voice was in perfect contrast to Bailey's high vocal range which gave the group their unique style. In addition to singing, White co-produced (along with Clarence McDonald) for the group "The Emotions" on their 1977 album "Rejoice" which contained the number one hit, platinum hit "Best of My Love" which earned a Grammy Award. In 2000, Earth, Wind & Fire were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. In 2003, Earth, Wind & Fire were inducted into the Vocal Group Hall of Fame. By 1994, White retired as a performer after he was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease.
Rhythm and Blues Musician. He was a founding member of the influential Rhythm and Blues-Funk band "Earth, Wind & Fire." After studying at the Chicago Conservatory of Music, he gained experience as a session drummer with Chess Records, even drumming on the Fontella Bass hit single, "Rescue Me" (1965). He performed with jazz musician Ramsey Lewis, prior to forming his own group, "The Salty Peppers." White relocated to Los Angeles and renamed the band "Earth, Wind & Fire" which included his younger brother Verdine on bass, Philip Bailey on vocals, Larry Dunn on keyboards, Andrew Woolfolk on saxophone, Ralph Johnson on percussion, his youngest brother Fred White on drums & Johnny Graham and Al McKay on guitar. After signing with Columbia Records (CBS), they scored a Top-30 hit with "Mighty Mighty" (1974), followed by "Shining Star" (number one in 1975), "That's the Way of the World" (1975), "Sing A Song" (1975), "Getaway" (1976), "Serpentine Fire" (1977), their cover of The Beatles' "Got to Get You Into My Life" (1978), "September" (1978), "Boogie Wonderland" (1979), "After the Love Has Gone" (1979) and "Let's Groove" (1981). White's voice was in perfect contrast to Bailey's high vocal range which gave the group their unique style. In addition to singing, White co-produced (along with Clarence McDonald) for the group "The Emotions" on their 1977 album "Rejoice" which contained the number one hit, platinum hit "Best of My Love" which earned a Grammy Award. In 2000, Earth, Wind & Fire were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. In 2003, Earth, Wind & Fire were inducted into the Vocal Group Hall of Fame. By 1994, White retired as a performer after he was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease.
Bio by: C.S.
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