Maurice White, singer musician, producer: Dec: 19, 1941- Feb. 3, 2016

Maurice White, born in Memphis, began singing in church at the age of six. Following high school he moved to Chicago and began his formal musical training. He worked for Chess records learning multiple instruments and became a sought after session drummer. White performs with from 'Earth Wind and Fire' in this in 1979 New York file image.

Maurice White, left, and Philip Bailey, lead singer of Earth Wind and Fire, performing in the Netherlands.

Maurice White plays the Kalimba, an African thumb piano, featured in numerous 'Earth Wind and Fire' songs. Beyond being an accomplished musician, White produced many notable artists: Barbra Streisand, The Emotions, Ramsey Lewis, Jennifer Holliday, Deniece Williams and Neil Diamond.

Ralph Johnson, from left, Phillip Bailey, Maurice White and Verdine White, of 'Earth, Wind & Fire' celebrate their star on the Walk of Fame in Los Angeles.

Ralph Johnson, left, Maurice White, and Philip Bailey of the band 'Earth, Wind and Fire' perform during the inaugural "Grammy Jam Fest" at the Wiltern Theatre Dec. 11, 2004, in Los Angeles, Calif. The event celebrated the music of 'Earth, Wind and Fire' and raised funds for various arts charities.

Bass guitar player of 'Earth, Wind & Fire,' Verdine White, right, applauds his older brother and the band's leader, Maurice, as the group is inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame during the 15th induction dinner in New York, on March 6, 2000. The band, which rose to prominence in the Seventies, solidified the growth of black album music as it brought together the earlier sounds of jazz, blues, R&B, pop, gospel, funk and deep soul.

Maurice White, center,reacts to the crowd as his group, 'Earth, Wind and Fire' are inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

Producing duo Jimmy Jam, right, and Terry Lewis, left, pose with Maurice White of 'Earth Wind and Fire' at the Governors Membership Awards luncheon at the Beverly Hills Hotel on June 8, 2004.