The spiritual nature of his songs have been with me since I was a teenager. Now, here I am a middle aged man still loving the music but now understanding the profound messages within his lyrics of love, joy and hope. There has never been a “bad” EWF song.
Thank you God, for you knew the world needed Maurice White and his band mates.
Growing up in Brooklyn NY in the mid ’70’s, I would listen to Frankie Crocker on 107.5 FM on WBLS radio; I was in my early teens then. I fell in love with Earth Wind & Fire from then on. I loved the contrasting vocals between Maurice and Philip, the rhythms, the harmonies, the great lyrics, not to mention the Phenix Horns. Because of Maurice White, I went on to earn a degree in music. I also have a number of kalimbas that I play to relax. I see the current group every time they come down to Florida. Maurice White was a master craftsman who was so smooth, you never realized the difficulty of his task. The world has lost a great musician and a great human being. I’m guessing Heaven is a little more soulful right now. Rest in Peace, Maurice. Well done.
When I was 12, I wanted to run away from home and “join” Earth, Wind and Fire. I had seen a concert and just…fell in love with the group. That love affair continues to this day. I don’t have the words to express what EWF means to me. You all feel like spiritual family to me. I am so thankful for Maurice’s vision for EWF and for the gift of love and music that you all have offered to the world. May God bless Maurice White and may the spirit of EWF live on forever.
I was 14 (1971) years old when I heard my first EWF song…I Think About Loving You…I was hooked.
I found out everything I could about them. Eac ones name, birthdate and sign. My bedroom was plastered 28th pictures of EWF. And I had the HUGEST crush on Maurice. He was the epitome of handsome, strength, and very deep.
For my graduation from High School, my sister bought tickets for me to see EWF in concert in 1976 at the UD Arena in Dayton, OH…
Every album, every song…I hung on every word. Putting what they said into practice.
It kept me away from drugs, partying…and I carried myself with respect.
My children love EWF soooo much. lol I raised them on EWF! lol
My dream was to one day actually meet Maurice and tell him thank you.
There will never be another Maurice White. Thank you for the music.Thank you for the concerts. Thank you for inspiring me as a musician. Thank you for raising my mental and spiritual level to a higher level. GOD, please let Maurice White be at peace with you for eternity. Alvin Broussard
I saw EWF before they were a known group and I knew then that they were the answer to my music ears. I am who I am today and by most considered successful, due in large part because of the Excellence instilled in me by listening to Maurice White and EWF. For 3 years I listened to them everyday. In my opinion at their peak they were the best band ever assembled in history of music. The only group that has a song/word for everyday and for every situation you need a word for outside of the Bible. I love Stevie, Michael, The Beatles and a few others but EWF was a complete band in everyway like no other. As one of my best friends would say when get got together…. Give me pure EWF!! RIP Maurice, you set the bar brother. Thank you. Verdine, Philip, Al, Larry, Johnny, Phenix Horns, Ralph, Andrew, Fred, Sheldon, Wayne you guys are amazing too. To all others and the night shift, congratulations on so far being TBE.
Vey sad to hear about the passing of Maurice. The name Earth Wind and Fire always send shivers through my spine when I hear it. I never saw the bad live but watching videos I appreciate the energy , creativity and style the band had. All of that is mostly due to the leadership of Maurice. Thanks for the music maestro. We will keep on playing and enjoying your songs. We will also keep on supporting your band as EWF personify you. We will miss you here on earth but we look forward to meeting you in heaven one day and what a party that will be. Sifiso-Kenya.
My first hero, composer of the soundtrack of my formative years. An amazing man. When he knocked on musical doors in the early 70’s and nobody answered, he kicked them open.
He signed my Kalimba and it’s something I will always treasure.
Son unos momentos muy difíciles para todos los que amamos la buena música, y más para aquellos que tenemos a Earth Wind & Fire como la banda que ha marcado nuestras vidas. Maurice es y será allí donde esté un auténtico genio de la musica en general y de la múisca negra en particular. No me resisto a no haberle visto en directo, aquí en España he ido a veros allí donde fuísteis, pero me perdí el mítico concierto de Barcelona donde Maurice si estuvo, en el resto estuve pero Maurice ya estaba malito. Clase, elegancia, sentimiento, pasión, alegría, felicidad,alma, fraternidad, hermandad, paz, amor, todo esto ha significado para mi Maurice y su banda en todos mis años de vida. Ojala en estos tiempos de falta de creatividad y calidad surgieran monstruos como tu Maurice, aprenderían mucho de ti, como muchos antes ya han aprendido.
Desde España te echaremos de menos, pero allí donde estés esperanos, que queremos verte cantar y bailar cuando lleguemos. We love you.
Maurice, your music will always live in our hearts, I have adored your voice since I was young, there was no-one that could touch your voice. you were the best and will always be the best. You were and will be my #1 singer, R.I.P. You will truly be missed….
In 1980 I discovered the album “Gratitude” ..
I am now 50 years and nothing will be the same for me after this musical discovery so intense.
Gratitude Mr White.
Thank you for the music.
The music of Maurice White and Earth Wind abd Fire will always be in my heart. I have a six disc cd changer in my car and Earth Wind and Fire is always in one of them. My 8 and 13 year old grandchildren can sing your songs. I never get tired of listening to EWF. RIP Maurice. I love the whole band.
La voce di Maurice White ha fatto da sottofondo a tanti miei viaggi in macchina negli anni 80 oltre ad essere protagonista con i suoi EWF delle mie trasmissioni in radio, ricordero’ sempre quei momenti e ascoktero” sempre le sue canzoni. Grazie Maurice, la tua voce sara’ immortale, non ti dimenticheremo. Un caro saluto dalla costa Toscana.
I am very sad and have been crying a lot since the passing of Maurice White. I have been a fan of Earth Wind and Fire for decades. He was such a genius and will be greatly missed all over the world. I have been reading tributes and playing your music every since Thursday. I will continue to be a fan forever, but truly miss Maurice. It was like he was a best friend of mine. He will live on in your music. He is an angelic musician now. Rest in Paradise and peace Maurice. I love you Sheila from Indianapolis, IN
Maurice, his vision, and his music has allowed me to see myself as a better person, and realize I AM (album reference unintended) a good person. When there are so many images and statements made about a Black man, I can look to Maurice’s music and understand that NO, I am NOT those things that so many have said that I (and other Black men) am. If you are searching for something, his music gives you a foundation to build upon. If you have your spiritual base, his music solidifies your foundation. Growing up, an Earth, Wind & Fire album release was an EVENT!!! I was so excited with anticipation. I was never disappointed. Simply looking at the cover art and images of albums like Spirit, All ‘n’ All, I Am, Raise, Powerlight… my mood would always elevate. It could be very calming and, dare I say, spiritual. For many of the albums from the 70’s, I can tell you what I was doing when I first heard them on the radio. Needless to say, there was an INCREDIBLE excitement that came from hearing those songs come on the radio. On the surface, at the most superficial level, the music was very catchy, putting you in a great mood. But when you start to explore the music, to break it down, to dig BELOW the surface… that is when you really and truly discover the music (at least, that is how it was for me). I am truly fortunate to have the gift of Maurice and Earth, Wind & Fire’s music in my life. When I have felt bad about myself, or felt down on myself, If I would allow myself to take the CD or album from the shelf, put it on the machine, play it and open my mind and listen… I would put things into perspective, and feel better. In typing these words, I am trying to say what Maurice’s music meant to me. Typing these words is not an adequate means to express the thanks (dare I say, Gratitude) for Maurice’s music coming into my life. Maurice, thank you, Thank You, THANK YOU.
Maurice will forever be missed although
The music lives on…….what a legacy…..I haven’t seen him in years but the depth of my sadness knows no bounds……. I will miss you……..we all will
Dear Maurice,
Thank you so much, your music changed my lile. you are my super hero. now and forever.
we are so sad, but we will keep our head to the sky.
I love you so much now and forever.
YOU LIVED, MOVED AND HAD YOUR BEING IN THE INFINITE INVISIBLE AND APPEARED VISIBLY AND TANGIBLY AS MAURICE WHITE. YOU APPEARED IN THE BODY; FUNCTIONED THROUGH THE BODY; WAS SEEN IN THE WORLD AS THE BODY, BUT YET YOU WERE NOT OF THE WORLD. YOUR ENTIRE MESSAGE AND MISSION TAUGHT THE UNSHAKABLE RACE, THAT AS CHILDREN, WE ARE ONE WITH THE GREAT “I AM”, AND THAT EACH OF US IS GOVERNED BY THE ACTIVITY OF TRUTH THAT LIES WITHIN OUR OWN CONSCIOUSNESS. ALTHOUGH YOU HAVE PASSED FROM THE SIGHT OF OUR FINITE SENSES, YOU LIVE! AND WE ARE FOREVER “RAISED” IN “GRATITUDE” WITH YOU THROUGH YOUR MUSICAL GENIUS AND LEGACY. THANK YOU FOR ALLOWING HUMANITY TO SEE “THAT THE LIGHT IS HE, SHINING ON YOU AND ME”. UNTIL WE JOIN YOU IN THE “ETERNAL DANCE”, WHEN “OUR SPIRITS WILL BE ONE”, MAY YOUR “SHINING STAR” CONTINUE TO BE THE “ILLUMINATION” FOR “THAT OLD BUSH THAT KEEPS ON BURNIN”. YOU HAVE RUN THE RACE AND FAITHFULLY REMINDED US OF “THE PROMISE”, THAT THIS EXISTENCE IS “ALL ABOUT LOVE”; AND FOR EACH ONE OF US TO KEEP OUR “HEAD TO THE SKY”. ALWAYS…IN LOVE
Listening to your music was truly the way of the world.What EWF gave us will live in our hearts and minds forever.You were the baddest band ever
.Your song touched every emotion a human can have.RIP Maurice
Pedro Romero, Maurice, your music has inspire my life since I was 11, for forty years this music has embrace my life,and now, embrace the life of my sons, thank you very much, take the fly to the sky,
Our Hearts and Prayers go out to The Group and Maurice White’s Family as well.
Maurice White has been greatest founder of Earth, Wind Fire and He did a solo album and
tours with The group and a lot of albums and My Husband Darul Freeman’s sister went the group
concerts at Capitol Center and I do listen to Maurice White’s song ” Open Your Eyes” in the Eternal Dance CD Set and
three more CD later.
Maurice White will be soulfully missed and not forgotten.
I am so extremely grateful for the genius of Brother Maurice and his brainchild, Earth, Wind & Fire. Your Music was a catalyst in my life at very young age of seven, when I heard the high soprano voiced of “Keep Your Head to the Sky”blaring on the stereo. My older Cousins were always hip to the best music and seemed to know I was destined for music. Out of all the music I was exposed to, EWF ALWAYS maintained the core of how I thought production should be when I began writing, producing and recording my own music. Thank you for setting THE precedent for Excellence, Perfection and Positive Energy that Inspires & Encourages the Spirit.
example of life, musician, discipline and perseverance, always believing in your project and dedicating his life to him, his music always carry in my heart … rest in peace the grand Maurice
Obrigado por fazer a minha vida mais feliz, Maurice. Sua produção artística esteve presente em grandes escolhas e importantes momentos da minha vida. Que você seja uma estrela brilhante!
I grew up in Berkeley in the 70’s and listening to EWF inspired/touched me in so many ways that the music really become my theme song for life. EWF’s music transcends race, cultures and generations and now my eight year old daughter is a fan and I hope her first concert will be EWF. Thank you Maurice White and thank you Earth Wind & Fire-your music and message will lift many more spirits for generations to come.
Well, like the sun and moon light the sky, or wings on bird cause it to fly… The music and message of Mr. White so deeply blessed my…WORLD
I was born the year your band was formed, literally growing up on the “elements”, so like so many have said, your music was/is the soundtrack to my life. So to answer your question once again, Mr. Maurice White was that motivation, that constant friend on which I could depend to inspire me to believe my dreams can be achieved with a burning desire, see your music moved me higher, and I continue to aspire, just like Earth Wind and Fire, to keep my “Head to the Sky” and maybe one day I will be a “Shining Star”, but please know that you are loved and missed eternally by all you’ve touched so soulfully…
I had to share some poetry…see, it’s a deep part of me, and to all grieving family, band members, fans and friends…this is not where the story ends because love for Maurice burns always like “Star”. Rest in peace, Maurice and thank you for touching the world.
Grazie Maurice avrei voluto conoscerti personalmente, le tue canzoni mi hanno salvato la vita, mi hanno ridato forza, consolato. Hanno accompagnato i miei momenti di gioa. Ora che sei nella danza eterna vivi per sempre in me. Grazie Moreno
Dearest Maurice White, your life,music and words have soothed,encouraged and rejuvenated so many people. I struggle to think what kind of music industry we would have without your staggering achievements. As a child growing up in East London I turned to your music for solace as no other band could communicate the sheer joy I felt when listening to your music. I have nothing but gratitude for your attention to detail and creating a band that had musicianship of the highest order. Your career is a towering testament to peserverance,wisom and talent. You completely changed the way I perceived music and allowedme to explore and experiment with all types of music. During my darkest days your profound lyrics lifted and inspired me like a friendly Uncle giving me a pep talk and then I realized the best lesson of all music isn’t just about selling records,its about inspiration. The indelible mark you have left us with in Earth,Wind & Fire ,one of the most beloved and respected bands the human race has ever produced will not wash away or fade away.It is one for the ages and the world shall salute you for it. Maurice I express my gratitude and heartfelt thanks.Well done and sleep well. God bless
Obrigado por fazer a minha vida mais feliz, Maurice. Sua obra esteve comigo em momentos decisivos da minha vida. Espero que agora possa brilhar como a estrela brilhante da poesia.
Maurice White I am a South African Maurice White you are gone in body only You soul and music is still with us. Maurice White there are so much junk music around, yours classic everlasting
Well what can I say! We all were put here on this earth for a special reason. We have a gift to be shared. It is our ministry our purpose. Maurice knew his and he walked in the light. He was a very anointed man, I had embraced EWF at a young age and I feel the God in me come out through their music. Maurice was so powerful the message in his music. Time has passages, but I believe that the music of EWF is for everyone, even this generation. I really hope that we can turn a death ear and appreciate what Maurice and EWF have to say.
There is nothing like the experience of discovering the work of a true artist and master of his craft, and that was always the case when I listened to Maurice White’s work. I didn’t even know what the Kalimba was until I heard him play it on those EWF records, then discovering that he played on the soundtrack to one of my favorite movies Sweet SweetBack!
But most importantly disccovering that this artform called music is connected to a higher consciousness. We are part of a bigger blueprint of existence and I am thankful for him teaching me that! Thank You Maurice!
My condolences to the family, relatives and all members of Earth Wind & Fire for this great loss. #RIP Maurice , your music keep me standing in this life. A sincere fan from the Netherlands.
Through your vision and music, the world is becoming a more harmonious place where people of all ages, cultures, ethnicities, etc. come together. Along the your great music,I enjoyed seeing the diverse audience United and feelin love at EWF concerts. That’s the way of the world. Thank you Mayrice for enriching my life!
Very sad news. My father-in-law had the same disease. He died at exactly 74 years and nine months. It was tough for his wife and the whole family. I don’t want to say anything else about thatt disease, but I can really understand what the White family has been going through the past years.
Maurice White will be missed and already was missed in the past 20 years, since he could not perform. Unfortunately I never saw him, because the first time I saw EWF was in 1997. But left us a universe of music.
Earth, Wind & Fire are without a doubt the single most important band of black music in history. They had so many beautiful compositions, they brought the jazz-harmonies to soul, they had the best vocalists and vocal arrangements of all groups and fantastic rhythm and horns sections. Sure, James Brown was very essential, but he was all about rhythm, simple chord progressions and simple background vocals.
The funny thing is that I needed a lot of time to understand the importance of EWF, because coming from a jazz-fusion-direction I was a huge fan of George Duke, The Crusaders or Grover Washington, but it took me years realize, that the music that these guys played at the end of the 70s was heavily influenced by EWF. Listen to Dukeys “Don’t let go” of “Follow the Rainbow”. Half of the songs on that albums could have been recorded by EWF.
Everytime I watch the DVD “Live in Japan 1994” and see Maurice singing “After the love” I get tears in my eyes.
Maurice White was the creator. A musical genius. His music is a treasure. His spirit will always be with us.
RIP Reese, my musical hero. Thank you for the wonderful music legacy you have left us. Your spirit lives on with Verdine, Philip and Ralph carrying on the torch so brilliantly. Deepest condolences to Verdine and family, and all at EWF.
Great loss. Another pillar that is missing, leaving a gap that can’t be filled by anyone. You filled with joy the way of life of so many people that maybe even you could Know. Your music and your voice will remain forever within us waiting to see ourselves again one day!
A Visionair has left this EARTH. His Spirit is taken by the WIND and leaves my heart in FIRE for the music created by this man, this genius, this great human been has given me so much !! Thank you Maurice for giving me direction in this live on earth.
Will surely meet in the next one.
Maurice, your energy and spirit lifted me up and filled my soul during some of the most critical points in my life. I turned to you. I thank God for you! The music you all created was pure magic. So blessed to have witnessed some of that magic during the 70s .. cherished memories! May you rest in peace!
1975 , escucho en el reproductor del vehiculo de un amigo la versión de Razones en vivo, en un cassette , de inmediato me impacta su ritmo y su sensualidad.
1978, en las fiestas de Octubre de Guadalajara, Jalisco, México, tengo la suerte de encontrarme a Maurice, Verdine, Phillip y Ralph paseando en las instalaciones de la feria, los abordo de inmediato, los acompaño y nos invitan (a otros 2 amigos y a mi) ya que les servimos de interpretes al hotel donde estaban hospedados para regalarnos, en agradecimiento, un souvenir.
Me regala una pulsera de piel con aplicaciones con motivos egipcios de cobre, misma que mantengo como nueva, a la fecha.
Un dia después del concierto, me firma mis discos acetatos y un poster de la banda.
Nací el miso día que el, mi hija creció escuchándolos y con 4 años me acompaño a recibirlos al aeropuerto con un cartel que decía “ill write a song for you”
Su música, un bálsamo en el ajetreo diario, sus letras, una filosofía de vida y una fantasía que algún día será una realidad.
Se fue el Capitán, pero nos deja el barco con su música y su legado.
Gracias por tu música, por tus sentimientos y por tu pasión.
Que el gran arquitecto del universo te de la paz y tranquilidad que tanto buscaste en vida.
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Maurice you are immortal…Farewell then
RIP Maurice you will be sadly missed
The spiritual nature of his songs have been with me since I was a teenager. Now, here I am a middle aged man still loving the music but now understanding the profound messages within his lyrics of love, joy and hope. There has never been a “bad” EWF song.
Thank you God, for you knew the world needed Maurice White and his band mates.
Growing up in Brooklyn NY in the mid ’70’s, I would listen to Frankie Crocker on 107.5 FM on WBLS radio; I was in my early teens then. I fell in love with Earth Wind & Fire from then on. I loved the contrasting vocals between Maurice and Philip, the rhythms, the harmonies, the great lyrics, not to mention the Phenix Horns. Because of Maurice White, I went on to earn a degree in music. I also have a number of kalimbas that I play to relax. I see the current group every time they come down to Florida. Maurice White was a master craftsman who was so smooth, you never realized the difficulty of his task. The world has lost a great musician and a great human being. I’m guessing Heaven is a little more soulful right now. Rest in Peace, Maurice. Well done.
The World’s loss…rest in Love
When I was 12, I wanted to run away from home and “join” Earth, Wind and Fire. I had seen a concert and just…fell in love with the group. That love affair continues to this day. I don’t have the words to express what EWF means to me. You all feel like spiritual family to me. I am so thankful for Maurice’s vision for EWF and for the gift of love and music that you all have offered to the world. May God bless Maurice White and may the spirit of EWF live on forever.
I was 14 (1971) years old when I heard my first EWF song…I Think About Loving You…I was hooked.
I found out everything I could about them. Eac ones name, birthdate and sign. My bedroom was plastered 28th pictures of EWF. And I had the HUGEST crush on Maurice. He was the epitome of handsome, strength, and very deep.
For my graduation from High School, my sister bought tickets for me to see EWF in concert in 1976 at the UD Arena in Dayton, OH…
Every album, every song…I hung on every word. Putting what they said into practice.
It kept me away from drugs, partying…and I carried myself with respect.
My children love EWF soooo much. lol I raised them on EWF! lol
My dream was to one day actually meet Maurice and tell him thank you.
One day in Heaven now, I will.
Love you forever, Maurice.
There will never be another Maurice White. Thank you for the music.Thank you for the concerts. Thank you for inspiring me as a musician. Thank you for raising my mental and spiritual level to a higher level. GOD, please let Maurice White be at peace with you for eternity. Alvin Broussard
The best I mean the Best band director of ALL TIME The goat….my man he will be missed R.I.P blessing to him Family
Maurice, May you rejoice in the presence of the Lord for eternity. Thank you. My deepest condolences to all who loved you… Walter R
Maurice: que en paz descanses, lleno de luz. Infinita gratitud por dar sonido al alma de muchos!!!
I saw EWF before they were a known group and I knew then that they were the answer to my music ears. I am who I am today and by most considered successful, due in large part because of the Excellence instilled in me by listening to Maurice White and EWF. For 3 years I listened to them everyday. In my opinion at their peak they were the best band ever assembled in history of music. The only group that has a song/word for everyday and for every situation you need a word for outside of the Bible. I love Stevie, Michael, The Beatles and a few others but EWF was a complete band in everyway like no other. As one of my best friends would say when get got together…. Give me pure EWF!! RIP Maurice, you set the bar brother. Thank you. Verdine, Philip, Al, Larry, Johnny, Phenix Horns, Ralph, Andrew, Fred, Sheldon, Wayne you guys are amazing too. To all others and the night shift, congratulations on so far being TBE.
Vey sad to hear about the passing of Maurice. The name Earth Wind and Fire always send shivers through my spine when I hear it. I never saw the bad live but watching videos I appreciate the energy , creativity and style the band had. All of that is mostly due to the leadership of Maurice. Thanks for the music maestro. We will keep on playing and enjoying your songs. We will also keep on supporting your band as EWF personify you. We will miss you here on earth but we look forward to meeting you in heaven one day and what a party that will be. Sifiso-Kenya.
My first hero, composer of the soundtrack of my formative years. An amazing man. When he knocked on musical doors in the early 70’s and nobody answered, he kicked them open.
He signed my Kalimba and it’s something I will always treasure.
Rest in peace Mr. White.
Son unos momentos muy difíciles para todos los que amamos la buena música, y más para aquellos que tenemos a Earth Wind & Fire como la banda que ha marcado nuestras vidas. Maurice es y será allí donde esté un auténtico genio de la musica en general y de la múisca negra en particular. No me resisto a no haberle visto en directo, aquí en España he ido a veros allí donde fuísteis, pero me perdí el mítico concierto de Barcelona donde Maurice si estuvo, en el resto estuve pero Maurice ya estaba malito. Clase, elegancia, sentimiento, pasión, alegría, felicidad,alma, fraternidad, hermandad, paz, amor, todo esto ha significado para mi Maurice y su banda en todos mis años de vida. Ojala en estos tiempos de falta de creatividad y calidad surgieran monstruos como tu Maurice, aprenderían mucho de ti, como muchos antes ya han aprendido.
Desde España te echaremos de menos, pero allí donde estés esperanos, que queremos verte cantar y bailar cuando lleguemos. We love you.
Maurice, your music will always live in our hearts, I have adored your voice since I was young, there was no-one that could touch your voice. you were the best and will always be the best. You were and will be my #1 singer, R.I.P. You will truly be missed….
In 1980 I discovered the album “Gratitude” ..
I am now 50 years and nothing will be the same for me after this musical discovery so intense.
Gratitude Mr White.
Thank you for the music.
The music of Maurice White and Earth Wind abd Fire will always be in my heart. I have a six disc cd changer in my car and Earth Wind and Fire is always in one of them. My 8 and 13 year old grandchildren can sing your songs. I never get tired of listening to EWF. RIP Maurice. I love the whole band.
La voce di Maurice White ha fatto da sottofondo a tanti miei viaggi in macchina negli anni 80 oltre ad essere protagonista con i suoi EWF delle mie trasmissioni in radio, ricordero’ sempre quei momenti e ascoktero” sempre le sue canzoni. Grazie Maurice, la tua voce sara’ immortale, non ti dimenticheremo. Un caro saluto dalla costa Toscana.
I am very sad and have been crying a lot since the passing of Maurice White. I have been a fan of Earth Wind and Fire for decades. He was such a genius and will be greatly missed all over the world. I have been reading tributes and playing your music every since Thursday. I will continue to be a fan forever, but truly miss Maurice. It was like he was a best friend of mine. He will live on in your music. He is an angelic musician now. Rest in Paradise and peace Maurice. I love you Sheila from Indianapolis, IN
Maurice, his vision, and his music has allowed me to see myself as a better person, and realize I AM (album reference unintended) a good person. When there are so many images and statements made about a Black man, I can look to Maurice’s music and understand that NO, I am NOT those things that so many have said that I (and other Black men) am. If you are searching for something, his music gives you a foundation to build upon. If you have your spiritual base, his music solidifies your foundation. Growing up, an Earth, Wind & Fire album release was an EVENT!!! I was so excited with anticipation. I was never disappointed. Simply looking at the cover art and images of albums like Spirit, All ‘n’ All, I Am, Raise, Powerlight… my mood would always elevate. It could be very calming and, dare I say, spiritual. For many of the albums from the 70’s, I can tell you what I was doing when I first heard them on the radio. Needless to say, there was an INCREDIBLE excitement that came from hearing those songs come on the radio. On the surface, at the most superficial level, the music was very catchy, putting you in a great mood. But when you start to explore the music, to break it down, to dig BELOW the surface… that is when you really and truly discover the music (at least, that is how it was for me). I am truly fortunate to have the gift of Maurice and Earth, Wind & Fire’s music in my life. When I have felt bad about myself, or felt down on myself, If I would allow myself to take the CD or album from the shelf, put it on the machine, play it and open my mind and listen… I would put things into perspective, and feel better. In typing these words, I am trying to say what Maurice’s music meant to me. Typing these words is not an adequate means to express the thanks (dare I say, Gratitude) for Maurice’s music coming into my life. Maurice, thank you, Thank You, THANK YOU.
Maurice will forever be missed although
The music lives on…….what a legacy…..I haven’t seen him in years but the depth of my sadness knows no bounds……. I will miss you……..we all will
Dear Maurice,
Thank you so much, your music changed my lile. you are my super hero. now and forever.
we are so sad, but we will keep our head to the sky.
I love you so much now and forever.
You will be missed but never forgotten. I am your #1 fan always.
YOU LIVED, MOVED AND HAD YOUR BEING IN THE INFINITE INVISIBLE AND APPEARED VISIBLY AND TANGIBLY AS MAURICE WHITE. YOU APPEARED IN THE BODY; FUNCTIONED THROUGH THE BODY; WAS SEEN IN THE WORLD AS THE BODY, BUT YET YOU WERE NOT OF THE WORLD. YOUR ENTIRE MESSAGE AND MISSION TAUGHT THE UNSHAKABLE RACE, THAT AS CHILDREN, WE ARE ONE WITH THE GREAT “I AM”, AND THAT EACH OF US IS GOVERNED BY THE ACTIVITY OF TRUTH THAT LIES WITHIN OUR OWN CONSCIOUSNESS. ALTHOUGH YOU HAVE PASSED FROM THE SIGHT OF OUR FINITE SENSES, YOU LIVE! AND WE ARE FOREVER “RAISED” IN “GRATITUDE” WITH YOU THROUGH YOUR MUSICAL GENIUS AND LEGACY. THANK YOU FOR ALLOWING HUMANITY TO SEE “THAT THE LIGHT IS HE, SHINING ON YOU AND ME”. UNTIL WE JOIN YOU IN THE “ETERNAL DANCE”, WHEN “OUR SPIRITS WILL BE ONE”, MAY YOUR “SHINING STAR” CONTINUE TO BE THE “ILLUMINATION” FOR “THAT OLD BUSH THAT KEEPS ON BURNIN”. YOU HAVE RUN THE RACE AND FAITHFULLY REMINDED US OF “THE PROMISE”, THAT THIS EXISTENCE IS “ALL ABOUT LOVE”; AND FOR EACH ONE OF US TO KEEP OUR “HEAD TO THE SKY”. ALWAYS…IN LOVE
Listening to your music was truly the way of the world.What EWF gave us will live in our hearts and minds forever.You were the baddest band ever
.Your song touched every emotion a human can have.RIP Maurice
Pedro Romero, Maurice, your music has inspire my life since I was 11, for forty years this music has embrace my life,and now, embrace the life of my sons, thank you very much, take the fly to the sky,
Our Hearts and Prayers go out to The Group and Maurice White’s Family as well.
Maurice White has been greatest founder of Earth, Wind Fire and He did a solo album and
tours with The group and a lot of albums and My Husband Darul Freeman’s sister went the group
concerts at Capitol Center and I do listen to Maurice White’s song ” Open Your Eyes” in the Eternal Dance CD Set and
three more CD later.
Maurice White will be soulfully missed and not forgotten.
I am so extremely grateful for the genius of Brother Maurice and his brainchild, Earth, Wind & Fire. Your Music was a catalyst in my life at very young age of seven, when I heard the high soprano voiced of “Keep Your Head to the Sky”blaring on the stereo. My older Cousins were always hip to the best music and seemed to know I was destined for music. Out of all the music I was exposed to, EWF ALWAYS maintained the core of how I thought production should be when I began writing, producing and recording my own music. Thank you for setting THE precedent for Excellence, Perfection and Positive Energy that Inspires & Encourages the Spirit.
example of life, musician, discipline and perseverance, always believing in your project and dedicating his life to him, his music always carry in my heart … rest in peace the grand Maurice
Obrigado por fazer a minha vida mais feliz, Maurice. Sua produção artística esteve presente em grandes escolhas e importantes momentos da minha vida. Que você seja uma estrela brilhante!
I grew up in Berkeley in the 70’s and listening to EWF inspired/touched me in so many ways that the music really become my theme song for life. EWF’s music transcends race, cultures and generations and now my eight year old daughter is a fan and I hope her first concert will be EWF. Thank you Maurice White and thank you Earth Wind & Fire-your music and message will lift many more spirits for generations to come.
What did Maurice White mean to me?
Well, like the sun and moon light the sky, or wings on bird cause it to fly… The music and message of Mr. White so deeply blessed my…WORLD
I was born the year your band was formed, literally growing up on the “elements”, so like so many have said, your music was/is the soundtrack to my life. So to answer your question once again, Mr. Maurice White was that motivation, that constant friend on which I could depend to inspire me to believe my dreams can be achieved with a burning desire, see your music moved me higher, and I continue to aspire, just like Earth Wind and Fire, to keep my “Head to the Sky” and maybe one day I will be a “Shining Star”, but please know that you are loved and missed eternally by all you’ve touched so soulfully…
I had to share some poetry…see, it’s a deep part of me, and to all grieving family, band members, fans and friends…this is not where the story ends because love for Maurice burns always like “Star”. Rest in peace, Maurice and thank you for touching the world.
Peace*blessings. Clarissa L. Bolding.
Grazie Maurice avrei voluto conoscerti personalmente, le tue canzoni mi hanno salvato la vita, mi hanno ridato forza, consolato. Hanno accompagnato i miei momenti di gioa. Ora che sei nella danza eterna vivi per sempre in me. Grazie Moreno
Note, melodie, pensieri, parole, colori e tempi che non torneranno più…. Grazie Maestro, grazie Maurice!
Dearest Maurice White, your life,music and words have soothed,encouraged and rejuvenated so many people. I struggle to think what kind of music industry we would have without your staggering achievements. As a child growing up in East London I turned to your music for solace as no other band could communicate the sheer joy I felt when listening to your music. I have nothing but gratitude for your attention to detail and creating a band that had musicianship of the highest order. Your career is a towering testament to peserverance,wisom and talent. You completely changed the way I perceived music and allowedme to explore and experiment with all types of music. During my darkest days your profound lyrics lifted and inspired me like a friendly Uncle giving me a pep talk and then I realized the best lesson of all music isn’t just about selling records,its about inspiration. The indelible mark you have left us with in Earth,Wind & Fire ,one of the most beloved and respected bands the human race has ever produced will not wash away or fade away.It is one for the ages and the world shall salute you for it. Maurice I express my gratitude and heartfelt thanks.Well done and sleep well. God bless
Obrigado por fazer a minha vida mais feliz, Maurice. Sua obra esteve comigo em momentos decisivos da minha vida. Espero que agora possa brilhar como a estrela brilhante da poesia.
Maurice White I am a South African Maurice White you are gone in body only You soul and music is still with us. Maurice White there are so much junk music around, yours classic everlasting
Compagno della mia adolescenza, grazie per tutte le emozioni che mi hai dato ! Ci vediamo lassù da qualche parte un giorno !
Companion of my youth , thank you for all the emotions you gave me ! See you up there somewhere one day !
Well what can I say! We all were put here on this earth for a special reason. We have a gift to be shared. It is our ministry our purpose. Maurice knew his and he walked in the light. He was a very anointed man, I had embraced EWF at a young age and I feel the God in me come out through their music. Maurice was so powerful the message in his music. Time has passages, but I believe that the music of EWF is for everyone, even this generation. I really hope that we can turn a death ear and appreciate what Maurice and EWF have to say.
There is nothing like the experience of discovering the work of a true artist and master of his craft, and that was always the case when I listened to Maurice White’s work. I didn’t even know what the Kalimba was until I heard him play it on those EWF records, then discovering that he played on the soundtrack to one of my favorite movies Sweet SweetBack!
But most importantly disccovering that this artform called music is connected to a higher consciousness. We are part of a bigger blueprint of existence and I am thankful for him teaching me that! Thank You Maurice!
My condolences to the family, relatives and all members of Earth Wind & Fire for this great loss. #RIP Maurice , your music keep me standing in this life. A sincere fan from the Netherlands.
Through your vision and music, the world is becoming a more harmonious place where people of all ages, cultures, ethnicities, etc. come together. Along the your great music,I enjoyed seeing the diverse audience United and feelin love at EWF concerts. That’s the way of the world. Thank you Mayrice for enriching my life!
LET’S GROOVE IN HEAVEN, Maurice
…. now the band up there is definitely better than the band down here!
Very sad news. My father-in-law had the same disease. He died at exactly 74 years and nine months. It was tough for his wife and the whole family. I don’t want to say anything else about thatt disease, but I can really understand what the White family has been going through the past years.
Maurice White will be missed and already was missed in the past 20 years, since he could not perform. Unfortunately I never saw him, because the first time I saw EWF was in 1997. But left us a universe of music.
Earth, Wind & Fire are without a doubt the single most important band of black music in history. They had so many beautiful compositions, they brought the jazz-harmonies to soul, they had the best vocalists and vocal arrangements of all groups and fantastic rhythm and horns sections. Sure, James Brown was very essential, but he was all about rhythm, simple chord progressions and simple background vocals.
The funny thing is that I needed a lot of time to understand the importance of EWF, because coming from a jazz-fusion-direction I was a huge fan of George Duke, The Crusaders or Grover Washington, but it took me years realize, that the music that these guys played at the end of the 70s was heavily influenced by EWF. Listen to Dukeys “Don’t let go” of “Follow the Rainbow”. Half of the songs on that albums could have been recorded by EWF.
Everytime I watch the DVD “Live in Japan 1994” and see Maurice singing “After the love” I get tears in my eyes.
Maurice White was the creator. A musical genius. His music is a treasure. His spirit will always be with us.
RIP Reese, my musical hero. Thank you for the wonderful music legacy you have left us. Your spirit lives on with Verdine, Philip and Ralph carrying on the torch so brilliantly. Deepest condolences to Verdine and family, and all at EWF.
Great loss. Another pillar that is missing, leaving a gap that can’t be filled by anyone. You filled with joy the way of life of so many people that maybe even you could Know. Your music and your voice will remain forever within us waiting to see ourselves again one day!
A Visionair has left this EARTH. His Spirit is taken by the WIND and leaves my heart in FIRE for the music created by this man, this genius, this great human been has given me so much !! Thank you Maurice for giving me direction in this live on earth.
Will surely meet in the next one.
Maurice, your energy and spirit lifted me up and filled my soul during some of the most critical points in my life. I turned to you. I thank God for you! The music you all created was pure magic. So blessed to have witnessed some of that magic during the 70s .. cherished memories! May you rest in peace!
1975 , escucho en el reproductor del vehiculo de un amigo la versión de Razones en vivo, en un cassette , de inmediato me impacta su ritmo y su sensualidad.
1978, en las fiestas de Octubre de Guadalajara, Jalisco, México, tengo la suerte de encontrarme a Maurice, Verdine, Phillip y Ralph paseando en las instalaciones de la feria, los abordo de inmediato, los acompaño y nos invitan (a otros 2 amigos y a mi) ya que les servimos de interpretes al hotel donde estaban hospedados para regalarnos, en agradecimiento, un souvenir.
Me regala una pulsera de piel con aplicaciones con motivos egipcios de cobre, misma que mantengo como nueva, a la fecha.
Un dia después del concierto, me firma mis discos acetatos y un poster de la banda.
Nací el miso día que el, mi hija creció escuchándolos y con 4 años me acompaño a recibirlos al aeropuerto con un cartel que decía “ill write a song for you”
Su música, un bálsamo en el ajetreo diario, sus letras, una filosofía de vida y una fantasía que algún día será una realidad.
Se fue el Capitán, pero nos deja el barco con su música y su legado.
Gracias por tu música, por tus sentimientos y por tu pasión.
Que el gran arquitecto del universo te de la paz y tranquilidad que tanto buscaste en vida.
Gracias Maurice.