LEGENDARY Earth Wind and Fire drummer Fred White has died at the age of 67, his family confirmed.
White's brother and bandmate, Verdine White, announced the news on Sunday, sharing a heartfelt post on Instagram.
He wrote of the Rock And Roll Hall Of Famer: "Our family is saddened today with the loss of an amazing and talented family member, our beloved brother Frederick Eugene 'Freddie' White.
"He joins our brothers Maurice, Monte and Ronald in heaven and is now drumming with the angels!"
Verdine went on to add how Fred was a "child protégé" and "member of the EWF original nine" who had "gold records at the young age of 16 years old".
But he said "more than that at home and beyond he was the wonderful bro that was always entertaining and delightfully mischievous".
"We could always count on him to make a seemingly bad situation more light hearted," Verdine wrote.
"He will live in our hearts forever, rest in power beloved Freddie!!
"We thank you all for your love, blessings and support at this time. Soar high baby bro, we love you to the shining stars and back."
Tributes have since poured in for the talented star, who was born Frederick Eugene Adams in Chicago, 1955.
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Many tell how White inspired them to get into music, with others sending their love to his family.
One fan wrote on Instagram: "First Maurice now Fred. Fred was the first left handed drummer I saw live (EWF was my first concert in the 70’s).
"That show was the reason I became a drummer over 40 + years ago."
Another said: "I’m deeply sorry for your loss, Verdine.
"Freddie was just an incredible musician and the two of you together made a frighteningly powerful statement.
"His groove lives on in our heartbeats."
Someone else commented: "I remember when, as a child, I used to take my mom’s pots and pans and turn them upside down and use them as drums.
"I used to look in the album covers, looking at African-American Kings… I was so inspired.
"Mr. Fred White was the reason why I turned those pots and pans over."
White met Donnie Hathaway when he was just 15, and was soon was performing with him on tour, Stereogum.com reports.
He also played with the likes of Albertina Walker, Willie Hutch, and the Salty Peppers, an early version of Earth, Wind & Fire.
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The talented star joined Verdine and their half-brother Maurice White in Earth, Wind & Fire in 1974.
The mystic funk, soul, and disco band that became one of the most beloved hit-making forces of the 1970s.
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