President Obama tribute for Earth, Wind and Fire's Maurice White
Barack Obama has has added a heartfelt personal tribute to Maurice White, founder of Earth, Wind and Fire, who died on Thursday.
President Obama has has added a heartfelt personal tribute to Maurice White, founder of Earth, Wind and Fire, who died on Thursday.
Wring on Facebook he said, “Michelle and I were saddened to hear of the passing of Maurice White. With his brothers and bandmates of Earth, Wind and Fire, Maurice fused jazz, soul, funk and R&B into a quintessentially American sound that captured millions of fans around the world. Their playlist is timeless, the one that still brings us together at birthdays and barbecues, weddings and family reunions. Only Maurice could make such sophisticated songs so catchy. Only he could inspire generations of such diverse artists. And only he could get everyone – old and young, black and white – to let the groove move them on the dance floor. Our thoughts and prayers are with Maurice’s family, friends and bandmates. He is the shining star in heaven tonight.”
Maurice White died in his sleep at home in Los Angeles after a long battle with Parkinson’s disease. This year's GRAMMY Awards are due to honour Earth, Wind & Fire with a Lifetime Achievement Award on February 15th.