Maurice White

White is best known for founding and fronting the R&B band Earth, Wind & Fire, and has also been pivotal in the careers of groups such as The Emotions. After a three-year stint with Ramsey Lewis, White went on to develop Earth, Wind & Fire with local singers around Chicago, Illinois. The band moved to Los Angeles in 1970, and was reformed with new members in 1971. They experienced success with fifteen hit singles and twenty-six gold and platinum albums[citation needed]. Two of White's brothers performed with him in Earth, Wind & Fire: bassist Verdine and drummer Fred. Maurice White is also responsible for incorporating the sound of the Kalimba -a thumb piano of African origin- and the Phoenix Horns (formed by the late Louis Satterfield, Rahmlee Michael Davis, Michael Harris and the late Don Myrick) into the music of EWF. Maurice has produced many famous artists, including Barbra Streisand, The Emotions, Ramsey Lewis, Jennifer Holliday, The Tubes, Deniece Williams, and Neil Diamond. He also worked with many Japanese and international artists, such as Charito and Urban Knightstogether with Ramsey Lewis. He released one solo album, entitled Maurice White, in 1985. Later life In the late 1990s White was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease. In 1995, Maurice White decided to retire from touring, but he is very much active and busy in the music business, producing other new artists. Maurice White is set to release his next album project Interpretations: Celebrating the Music of Earth, Wind & Fire in March 2007, featuring renowned artists like Meshell Ndegeocello, Chaka Khan, Kirk Franklin, Mint Condition, Ledisi and Angie Stone. 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. Maurice also attended Tennessee State University, where he was a member of the TSU marching band. A fellow classmate of his,Jim Hamilton, Saxophonist for Ray Charles who also taught band in Minneapolis to Prince, Jimmy 'Jam' Harris and Terry Lewis.