Earth, Wind & Fire founder and leader Maurice White dies at 74

Sad news for fans of seventies R&B/funk greats Earth, Wind & Fire.

Maurice White, the founder and leader of the band, passed away at his home in L.A. yesterday at the age of 74.

White had been diagnosed with Parkinson's disease when he was 50.

"My brother, hero and best friend Maurice White passed away peacefully last night in his sleep," EWF bassist Verdine White said on Facebook. "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."

Earth, Wind & Fire has sold more than 90 million albums worldwide and earned six Grammy Awards. It was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2000.

The horn-driven band's uplifting hits included ''Shining Star," "Boogie Wonderland", "Sing a Song", "Fantasy", and my personal fave, "September":

R.I.P. Maurice White.