Earth, Wind & Fire Founder Maurice White Dies

Singer-songwriter Maurice White, who founded the band Earth, Wind & Fire, has died aged 74.

White had Parkinson's Disease and retreated from the public in recent years while his band kept touring.

He passed away at his home in Los Angeles on Wednesday, said his brother Verdine White - the bassist in the band.

"My brother, hero and best friend Maurice White passed away peacefully last night in his sleep," he said.

"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 sold more than 90 million albums and were famous for hits like September, Shining Star and Boogie Wonderland.

The nine-piece band - featuring the two White brothers, singer Philip Bailey and the horn section - were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2000.

They performed everywhere from the Super Bowl to the White House.

White was born in Memphis in 1941, the son of a doctor and grandson of a New Orleans piano player.

During the 1960s, he worked as a session drummer for Muddy Waters and The Impressions.

He later worked as a music producer for stars such as Barbra Streisand and Cher, and co-wrote The Emotions' number one hit Best Of My Love.