Maurice White reportedly died "peacefully" in his sleep at home in L.A. on Wednesday. He was 74. He retired from EWF in 1992.
His bandmate and brother, Verdine, broke the news via Facebook, saying: "My brother, hero and best friend Maurice White passed away peacefully last night in his sleep... 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."
The band's twitter page then posted the following....
Our brother Maurice White passed peacefully in his sleep this morning.
The light is he, shining on you and me. pic.twitter.com/ppWTHKUyG6
— Earth, Wind & Fire (@EarthWindFire) February 4, 2016
Tickets for the band's concert in the 3 Arena this June are due to go on sale via Ticketmaster this morning at 9am.
Fellow entertainers have been paying tribute to the legend since news of his passing broke.
RIP Maurice White. Thank you for the amazing grooves and vocals.
— Bryan Adams (@bryanadams) February 4, 2016
RIP MAURICE WHITE .LOVE & BLESSINGS TO HIM AND THE FAMILY . EARTH WIND AND FIRE ..ANOTHER SHINING STAR GONE TO BOOGIE WONDERLAND .
— Wu Tang Clan (@WuTangClan) February 4, 2016
R.I.P the great Maurice White. "You can't hide love " EWF. pic.twitter.com/gWk2p5lZR4
— Chris Rock (@chrisrock) February 4, 2016
Maurice was everything.....Everything.
— Questlove Gomez (@questlove) February 4, 2016
Maurice White. I listened to you ever single day at my mothers hair salon, & I didn't understand what you made me feel, but you were a hero.
— solange knowles (@solangeknowles) February 5, 2016
Man..... Sad to hear: #Maurice White one of founders of Earth Wind & Fire passed today. This… https://t.co/qrzd2MifoE
— CedricTheEntertainer (@CedEntertainer) February 4, 2016