Maurice White

Maurice White was born in Memphis, Tennessee, on December 19, 1941.{{cite web|url=https://www.britannica.com/biography/Maurice-White|title=Maurice White|author=Bauer, Patricia|publisher=Encyclopædia Britannica|website=britannica.com}} He grew up in South Memphis, where he lived with his grandmother in the Foote Homes Projects and was a childhood friend of Booker T. Jones and David Porter.{{cite web|url=https://staxrecords.com/artist/david-porter/|title=David Porter|website=staxrecords.com|date=April 4, 2019 }} Along with Jones, White formed a "cookin' little band" while attending Booker T. Washington High School. He also made frequent trips to Chicago to visit his mother, Edna, and stepfather, Verdine Adams, who was a doctor and occasional saxophonist.{{cite web| url=https://www.people.com/archive/a-higher-force-is-the-tenth-member-of-maurice-whites-ascetic-earth-wind-fire-vol-6-no-19/amp/|title='A Higher Force' Is the Tenth Member of Maurice White's Ascetic Earth, Wind & Fire|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190709132553/https://www.people.com/archive/a-higher-force-is-the-tenth-member-of-maurice-whites-ascetic-earth-wind-fire-vol-6-no-19/amp/|archive-date=9 July 2019|website=people.com|date=November 8, 1976 }} During his teenage years, White moved to Chicago where he studied at the Chicago Conservatory of Music, and played drums in local nightclubs. In 1962 he joined The Jazzmen, a student jazz trio at Crane Junior College in Chicago, Illinois formed by

Louis Satterfield on trombone, Charles Handy on trumpet, and Don Myrick on alto saxophone. The Jazzmen later became the Pharaohs.{{cite web | url=http://www.ubiquityrecords.com/artists/PHAROAHS.html | title=PHAROAHS | publisher=Ubiquity Records | access-date=February 5, 2016}} Satterfield, White, and Handy became studio musicians at Chess Records in Chicago. At Chess, he played the drums on records of Etta James, Chuck Berry, Rotary Connection, Betty Everett and Junior Wells. Along with the likes of Sonny Stitt, Muddy Waters, the Impressions, the Dells, Willie Dixon, Sugar Pie DeSanto and Buddy Guy.{{cite web|url=http://blues.gr/m/blogpost?id=1982923%3ABlogPost%3A228965|title=Maurice White Interview|website=blues.gr}}{{cite magazine|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=YCgEAAAAMBAJ&q=maurice+White&pg=PA128|title=It's Elemental|date=Dec 1999 - Jan 2000|page=126|issue=10|volume=7|author=Vincent, Ricky|magazine=Vibe Magazine|via=Google Books}} White also played the drums on Fontella Bass's "Rescue Me" (with Satterfield on bass), Billy Stewart's, "Summertime", Betty Everett's You're No Good and Little Milton's We're Gonna Make It".{{cite web|url=https://www.soulandjazzandfunk.com/interviews/maurice-white-philosopher-and-truth-seeker-an-appreciation/|title=MAURICE WHITE, PHILOSOPHER AND TRUTH SEEKER – AN APPRECIATION|author=Waring, Charles|date=February 5, 2016|publisher=soulandjazzandfunk.com|access-date=January 4, 2025}}{{cite work|title = Earth, Wind & Fire: Biography: Rolling Stone|publisher=Rolling Stone Magazine}}

In June 1966, he left Chess and the Pharaohs to join the Ramsey Lewis Trio, replacing Isaac "Red" Holt as the group's drummer.Will Leonard. "On the Town." Chicago Tribune, June 19, 1966, Section 5, p. 12. Holt and bassist Eldee Young left to form Young-Holt Unlimited. Young was also replaced by Cleveland Eaton.{{cite web | url=https://jazztimes.com/artists/ramsey-lewis/|title=Ramsey Lewis|date=July 7, 2015|publisher=JazzTimes}} As a member of the Trio, Maurice first played on 1966's Wade in the Water. A song from that album called "Hold It Right There" won a Grammy Award for Best Rhythm & Blues Group Performance, Vocal or Instrumental. White later played the drums on 1966's The Movie Album along with 1967's Dancing in the Street and Goin' Latin. He also performed on the Trio's 1968 LPs Up Pops Ramsey Lewis, Mother Nature's Son and Maiden Voyage. Around this time, he encountered the African thumb piano (kalimba), in a Chicago drum store. A tune entitled "Uhuru", from the Trio's 1969 album Another Voyage, marks the first recording of White playing the kalimba.{{cite web |date=November 23, 2020 |title=Ramsey Lewis |url=https://www.grammy.com/artists/ramsey-lewis/15078 |website=grammy.com |publisher=The Recording Academy}}Earth, Wind & Fire: The Eternal Dance. 1993.Columbia Records.Chinen, Nate (February 5, 2016). "[https://www.nytimes.com/2016/02/06/arts/music/maurice-white-a-voyager-who-traveled-countless-musical-paths.html Maurice White, a Voyager Who Traveled Musical Paths]." The New York Times. Retrieved February 6, 2016. Print version appeared on February 6, under the title "Traveling Countless Paths, Sometimes Several at Once."

In 1969, White joined his two friends, Wade Flemons and Don Whitehead, to form a songwriting team who wrote songs for commercials in the Chicago area. The three friends got a recording contract with Capitol Records and called themselves the Salty Peppers. They had a moderate hit in the Midwest area with their single "La La Time",{{cite web | url=http://www.earthwindandfire.com/history/biography/ | title=Earth Wind & Fire Biography | publisher=Kalimba Entertainment / PB Entertainment | access-date=February 5, 2016}} but their second single, "Uh Huh Yeah", was not as successful. White then left the trio, moved from Chicago to Los Angeles, and altered the name of the band to Earth, Wind & Fire. With the band's new name reflecting the elements in his own astrological chart.

{{main|Earth, Wind & Fire}}

Along with being the leader, Maurice also performed as co-lead singer and produced most of the group's albums. EWF eventually became one of the most acclaimed and illustrious bands of all time. With the group winning six Grammy Awards out of 17 nominations.{{cite web|url=https://www.grammy.com/grammys/artists/earth-wind-fire|title=Earth, Wind & Fire|publisher=The Recording Academy|website=grammy.com|date=November 23, 2020}} As well being bestowed with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame and four American Music Awards. What's more, the group's albums have collectively sold over 90 million copies worldwide. Maurice was also inducted, with the band, into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, the Vocal Group Hall of Fame, The Songwriters Hall of Fame and The NAACP Image Awards Hall of Fame.

White immersed a sense of eclecticism to the band's recordings, conceptualizing their vibrant stage portrayals while crafting the vocal interplay between his tenor and Philip Bailey's falsetto. As a musician he aided the kalimba being brought into wider circles by incorporating its sound into the band's music. He was also responsible for the inclusion of a full horn section, at first, the Phenix Horns and later on the Earth, Wind & Fire Horns. During 1994 he halted his regular tours with the band but still occasionally appeared on stage. Onwards White retained executive control of Earth, Wind and Fire and remained active in the music business. Whereby he produced and performed on EW&F and other musical artists' records.

{{cite magazine|title=The Billboard Salute – Earth, Wind & Fire 30th Anniversary|newspaper=Billboard Magazine|volume=113|issue=28|page=36|date= July 14, 2001|issn=0006-2510}}

Prior to the band's 2000 induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, Maurice revealed an ongoing affliction with Parkinson's disease. A website entitled Startalk.org was also established a year earlier in his honor where artists such as Steven Tyler of Aerosmith, Boyz II Men, Smokey Robinson, Isaac Hayes, Michael Jackson, Eric Clapton and Tom Morello of Rage Against the Machine posted complimentary messages. Other noted artists who posted messages were Brian McKnight, Al Jarreau, Kenny G, Seal, Chick Corea, Carly Simon and Dionne Warwick.{{cite web|url=http://www.startalk.org/celeb_messages/|title=Celebrity Messages to Maurice|publisher=startalk.org|access-date=October 19, 2011|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080808002437/http://startalk.org/celeb_messages/|archive-date=August 8, 2008|df=mdy-all}}

Along with the band White notably performed at the 2002 BET Awards and the 2004 Grammy Awards' Tribute to Funk. As well as upon stage, with EW&F and special guest Alicia Keys, at Clive Davis' 2004 pre-Grammy party where they all sang "September".{{Cite web |title=Philip Bailey (L), Veredine White (C) and Maurice White of Earth, Wind & Fire perfrom during the 2nd Annual BET Awards in Hollywood, California on June 25, 2002. |url=https://www.shutterstock.com/editorial/image-editorial/philip-bailey-l-veredine-white-c-maurice-5120770bi |access-date=2025-01-04 |website=Shutterstock Editorial |language=en}}{{cite web|url=https://ew.com/article/2004/02/09/funk-tribute-was-memorable-grammys-moment/|title= The funk tribute was a memorable Grammys moment|date=February 9, 2004|publisher=Entertainment Weekly|website=ew.com}}{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EiuwrCL2RMk | archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211117/EiuwrCL2RMk| archive-date=2021-11-17 | url-status=live|title=Alicia Keys Earth Wind and Fire – Freestyle – Live |work=Youtube |date=August 18, 2008 |access-date=October 31, 2011}}{{cbignore}}

{{main|Deniece Williams}}

White was co-producing with Charles Stepney, Deniece Williams' debut album This Is Niecy when in May of 1976, Stepney died unexpectedly during the album's recording. Williams was a former backup vocalist for Stevie Wonder's band Wonderlove. The album was the first for Kalimba Productions, a production company also established by White and Stepney in 1976. As such Maurice went on to mostly produce the LP which was eventually released in August 1976 on Columbia Records.{{cite web|url=http://www.soulexpress.net/deniecewilliams_part2.htm|title=Deniece Williams Story Part 2 (1975–1981)|author=Suosalo, Heikki|publisher=soulexpress.net|access-date=June 7, 2009}} This Is Niecy rose to No. 3 on the US Billboard Top Soul Albums and No. 33 on the US Billboard 200 charts.{{cite web|url=https://www.billboard.com/artist/deniece-williams/chart-history/blp/|title=Deniece Williams: This Is Niecy (Top Soul Albums)|website=billboard.com}}{{cite web|url=https://www.billboard.com/artist/deniece-williams/chart-history/tlp/|title=Deniece Williams: This Is Niecy (Billboard 200)|website=billboard.com}} A song off the LP called "Free" got to No. 25 on the US Billboard Hot 100, No. 2 on the US Billboard Hot Soul Songs chart and No. 1 on the UK Pop Singles chart.{{cite web|url=https://www.billboard.com/artist/deniece-williams/chart-history/bsi/|title=Deniece Williams: Free (Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs)|website=Billboard.com}}{{cite web|url=https://www.billboard.com/artist/deniece-williams/chart-history/hsi/|title=Deniece Williams: Free (Hot 100)|website=Billboard.com}}{{cite web|url=http://www.officialcharts.com/artist/16142/deniece-williams/|title=Deniece Williams (Singles)|website=Official Charts.com}} This Is Niecy has also been certified Gold in the US by the RIAA and Silver in the UK by the BPI.{{cite web|url=https://www.riaa.com/gold-platinum/?tab_active=default-award&ar=&ti=This+is+niecy&lab=&genre=&format=&date_option=release&from=&to=&award=&type=&category=&adv=SEARCH#search_section|title=Deniece Williams: This Is Niecy|website=RIAA.com}}{{cite web|url=https://www.bpi.co.uk/award/7556-2591-2|title=Deniece Williams: This Is Niecy|website=bpi.co.uk}}

Maurice went on to produce Williams' sophomore album Songbird, released in 1977.{{cite work|title=Deniece Williams: Songbird|date=October 1977|publisher=Columbia Records}} The album rose to No. 23 on the US Billboard Top Soul Albums chart and No. 5 on the UK Blues & Soul Top British Soul Albums chart.{{cite web|url=https://www.billboard.com/artist/deniece-williams/chart-history/blp/|title=Deniece Williams: Songbird (Top R&B Albums)|website=Billboard.com}}{{cite magazine|title=Top British Soul Albums|issue=242|date=January 3, 1978|magazine=Blues & Soul}} A single entitled "Baby, Baby My Love's All for You" got to No. 13 on the US Billboard Hot Soul Songs chart, No. 5 on the UK Blues & Soul Top British Soul Singles chart and No. 32 on the UK Pop Singles chart.{{cite web|url=https://www.billboard.com/artist/deniece-williams/chart-history/bsi/|title=Deniece Williams: Baby, Baby My Love's All For You (Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs)|website=Billboard.com}}{{cite magazine|title=Top British Soul Singles|page=4|issue=242|date=January 3, 1978|magazine=Blues & Soul}}

Williams later issued 1978's That's What Friends Are For on Columbia records for Kalimba Productions. She then released 1979's When Love Comes Calling on ARC Records, Maurice's subsidiary label on Columbia. Maurice featured as a guest artist on the LP,{{cite work|title=Deniece Williams: When Love Comes Calling|date=1979|publisher=Columbia Records}} which peaked at No. 27 on the US Billboard Top Soul Albums chart.{{cite web|url=https://www.billboard.com/artist/deniece-williams/chart-history/blp/|title=Deniece Williams: When Love Comes Calling (Top Soul Albums)|website=billboard.com}} The single, "I've Got the Next Dance", also reached No. 1 on the Billboard Dance Club Play chart.{{cite web|url=https://www.billboard.com/artist/deniece-williams/chart-history/dsi/|title=Deniece Williams: I've Got The Next Dance (Dance Club Songs)|website=billboard.com}}

Williams thereafter issued two studio albums, being 1981's My Melody and 1982's Niecy on ARC Records.{{cite work|title=Deniece Williams: My Melody|date=1981|publisher=ARC/Columbia Records}}{{cite work|title=Deniece Williams: Niecy|date=1982|publisher=ARC/Columbia Records}} She later revealed in a 2007 interview that she "loved working with Maurice White ... he taught me the business of music, and planning and executing a plan and executing a show."

{{main|The Emotions}}

After Stax Records became embroiled in financial problems, the girl group the Emotions looked for a new contract and found one with Columbia Records. With Charles Stepney co-producing with White, their third studio album entitled Flowers was issued in 1976.{{cite work|title=The Emotions: Flowers|date=1976|publisher=Columbia Records}} The album got to No. 5 on the Billboard Top Soul albums chart.{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/artist/the-emotions/chart-history/blp/|title=The Emotions: Flowers (Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums)|magazine=Billboard}} Flowers has also been certified Gold in the US by the RIAA.{{cite web|url=https://www.riaa.com/gold-platinum/?tab_active=default-award&ar=emotions&ti=Flowers&lab=&genre=&format=Album&date_option=release&from=&to=&award=&type=&category=&adv=SEARCH#search_section|title=The Emotions: Flowers|publisher=RIAA|website=riaa.com}}

The album's title track got to No. 16 on the Billboard Hot Soul Songs chart.{{cite web|url=https://www.billboard.com/artist/the-emotions/chart-history/bsi/|title=The Emotions: Flowers (Hot Soul Songs)|website= billboard.com}} Another single being "I Don't Wanna Lose Your Love" got to Nos. 4 & 13 on the Billboard Dance Club Songs and Hot Soul Songs charts respectively.{{cite web|url=https://www.billboard.com/artist/the-emotions/chart-history/dsi/|title=The Emotions: I Don't Wanna Lose Your Love (Dance Club Songs)|website=billboard.com}}{{cite web|url=https://www.billboard.com/artist/the-emotions/chart-history/bsi/|title=The Emotions: I Don't Wanna Lose Your Love (Hot Soul Songs)|website=billboard.com}}

Following Charles Stepney's sudden death from a heart attack in May of 1976, White took over producing the Emotions. During 1977 the group issued their follow up album Rejoice. The album reached No. 1 on the Billboard Top R&B Albums chart and No. 7 on the Billboard 200 chart. Rejoice has also been certified Platinum in the US by the RIAA.

With the LP came the single "Don't Ask My Neighbors" which got to the top ten on the Billboard R&B singles charts. Another song, "Best of My Love", reached No. 1 on the Billboard Pop and R&B charts.{{cite web|url=https://www.billboard.com/charts/hot-100/1977-08-20/|title=Hot 100 Chart - Billboard|publisher=Billboard|access-date=June 29, 2023}}{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/charts/r-b-hip-hop-songs/1977-06-25|title=Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs Chart - Billboard|magazine=Billboard|access-date=January 6, 2018}} "Best of My Love" won a Grammy for Best R&B Performance By a Duo or Group with Vocals,{{cite web|url=https://www.grammy.com/grammys/artists/emotions|title=The Emotions|website=Grammy.com|date=November 23, 2020}} and an American Music Award for Favorite Soul/R&B Single. "Best of My Love" has also been certified Platinum in the US by the RIAA.

In 1978 The Emotions released their third Columbia album, Sunbeam.{{cite work|title=The Emotions: Sunbeam|date=1978|publisher=Columbia Records}} The album rose to No. 12 on the Billboard Top Soul Albums chart and No. 40 on the Billboard 200 chart.{{cite web|url=https://www.billboard.com/artist/the-emotions/chart-history/blp/|title=The Emotions: Sunbeam (Top Soul Albums)|website=billboard.com}}{{cite web|url=https://www.billboard.com/artist/the-emotions/chart-history/tlp/|title=The Emotions: Sunbeam (Billboard 200)|website=billboard.com}} An album cut called "Smile" reached No. 6 on the Billboard Hot Soul Songs chart. Sunbeam has been certified Gold in the US by the RIAA.{{cite web|url=https://www.riaa.com/gold-platinum/?tab_active=default-award&se=Emotions+Sunbeam#search_section|title=The Emotions: Sunbeam|website=RIAA.com}} The Emotions also received an American Music Award nomination in 1978 for Favorite Soul/R&B Band, Duo or Group.{{cite web|url=http://www.rockonthenet.com/amas/gsr.htm|title=American Music Awards: Favorite Soul/R&B Band/Duo/Group|publisher=rockonthenet.com|access-date=June 7, 2009}}

During 1979 Earth, Wind & Fire collaborated with the Emotions on the single "Boogie Wonderland". The song reached No. 6 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and No. 2 on the Billboard Hot Soul Songs chart. "Boogie Wonderland" has also been certified Gold in the US by the RIAA. White produced the girl group's 1979 LP Come into Our World which was released on his own Columbia imprint ARC Records.{{cite work|title=The Emotions: Come into Our World|date=1979|publisher=ARC/Columbia Records}} The album rose to No. 35 on the Billboard Top Soul Albums chart. A song from the LP called "What's the Name of Your Love?" also rose to No. 30 in the Billboard Hot R&B Songs chart.{{cite web|url=https://www.billboard.com/artist/the-emotions/chart-history/bsi/|title=The Emotions: What's the Name of Your Love? (Hot Soul Songs)|website=Billboard.com}}{{cite web|url=https://www.billboard.com/artist/the-emotions/chart-history/blp/|title=The Emotions: Come into Our World (Top R&B Albums)|website=Billboard.com}} White went on to be Grammy nominated in the category of Producer of the Year Non-Classical.

The Emotions went on to guest upon Earth, Wind & Fire's 2003 single "All in the Way". "All in the Way" rose to No. 13 on the Billboard Adult R&B Songs chart and No. 25 on the Billboard Adult Contemporary Songs chart. This track featured upon EWF's 2003 album The Promise which was also produced by Maurice White.{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2004/apr/09/popandrock.shopping13|title=Earth, Wind and Fire, The Promise|date=April 9, 2004|author=Peschek, David|website=The Guardian}}{{cite web|url=https://www.billboard.com/artist/earth-wind-fire/chart-history/rba/|title=Earth, Wind & Fire: All In The Way (Adult R&B Songs)|website=Billboard.com}}{{cite web|url=https://www.billboard.com/artist/earth-wind-fire/chart-history/asi/|title=Earth, Wind & Fire: All In The Way (Adult Contemporary Songs)|website=Billboard.com}}

File:Maurice White 75.jpg

White also worked with several other famous recording artists. He played the drums on poet Shel Silverstein's album, Drain My Brain. White also played the drums on former Rotary Connection lead singer Minnie Riperton's 1970 debut album, Come to My Garden.{{cite web|url=https://medium.com/udiscover-music/rediscover-the-breadth-and-depth-of-minnie-ripertons-chess-recordings-a5296f487d82|title=reDiscover The Breadth And Depth Of Minnie Riperton's Chess Recordings|date=February 23, 2018|publisher=UDiscover Music|website=medium.com}}{{cite web |last=Gonik |first=Michael |date=2018 |title=In Hip-Hop and Beyond: Minnie Riperton [Playlist] |url=https://www.okayplayer.com/originals/in-hip-hop-and-beyond-minnie-riperton-playlist.html |access-date=June 29, 2023 |website=Okayplayer}} White later co-produced Ramsey Lewis' 1974 album Sun Goddess. That album reached No. 1 on the Billboard Top Soul Albums chart and No. 12 on the Billboard Top Pop Albums chart. Sun Goddess has also been certified Gold in the US by the RIAA.{{cite web|url=https://www.riaa.com/gold-platinum/?tab_active=default-award&ar=Ramsey+Lewis&ti=Sun+Goddess&lab=&genre=&format=Album&date_option=release&from=&to=&award=&type=&category=&adv=SEARCH#search_section|title=Ramsey Lewis: Sun Goddess|website=riaa.com}}

Alongside Charles Stepney he also produced Lewis' 1976 LP Salongo. The album rose to No. 7 on the Billboard Jazz Albums & No. 17 on the Billboard Top Soul Albums charts.{{cite web|url=https://www.allmusic.com/artist/ramsey-lewis-mn0000334770/awards|title=Ramsey Lewis: Billboard Charts (Archived)|publisher=AllMusic|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131103012013/https://www.allmusic.com/artist/ramsey-lewis-mn0000334770/awards |via=archive.org|access-date=January 4, 2025|archive-date=3 November 2013}}

White composed a song called Tahiti Hut with Eumir Deodato on his 1978 studio album Love Island.{{cite work|title=Eumir Deodato: Love Island|date=1978|publisher=Warner Bros. Records}} That album got to No. 20 on the Billboard Jazz Albums charts.{{cite magazine|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=9CQEAAAAMBAJ&q=Jazz+|title=Billboard's Best Selling Jazz LP's|page=58|issue=26|volume=90|date=July 1, 1978|magazine=Billboard}} White later served as the executive producer of the R&B band Pockets' album Take It On Up released in 1978 on Columbia.{{cite work|title=Pockets: Take It On Up|date=1978|publisher=Columbia Records}} That album reached No. 22 on the Billboard Top R&B Albums chart.{{cite magazine|url=http://www.americanradiohistory.com/hd2/IDX-Business/Music/Billboard-Index/IDX/1978/1978-10-28-Billboard-Page-0063.pdf#search=%22pockets%20take%20it%20on%20up%22|title=Billboard Top Soul LPs|volume=90|issue=43|page=69|date=October 28, 1978|magazine=Billboard|via=americanradiohistory.com}} A duet with Deniece Williams called And Then featured on Weather Report's 1978 album Mr. Gone.

That album was released on ARC Records, Maurice's subsidiary label at Columbia.{{cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/lifestyle/1978/10/27/its-a-reunion-of-miles-davis-alumni/9741fe7a-911b-4103-8e39-7e42357f37be/|title=It's a Reunion of Miles Davis Alumni|author=Kernis, Mark|date=October 27, 1978|newspaper=Washington Post}}{{cite magazine|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=ViQEAAAAMBAJ&q=Maurice+White+1978+ARC&pg=PT18|title=New ARC Columbia Label on debut|page=19|issue=31|volume=90|date=August 5, 1978|magazine=Billboard}} Mr. Gone rose to No. 1 on the Billboard Jazz Albums chart.{{cite magazine|url=http://www.americanradiohistory.com/hd2/IDX-Business/Music/Billboard-Index/IDX/1978/1978-12-16-Billboard-Page-0103.pdf#search=%22weather%20report%22|title=Billboard Best Selling Jazz LPs|page=56|issue=50|volume=90|date=December 2, 1978|magazine=Billboard|via=americanradiohistory.com}}

Weather Report's follow up albums 8:30, Night Passage and Weather Report were also released on ARC/Columbia.

White then appeared as a guest artist on Ramsey Lewis' 1980 LP Routes and gospel artist Walter Hawkins' 1980 Grammy nominated album The Hawkins Family.{{cite work|title=Ramsey Lewis: Routes|date=1980|publisher=Columbia Records}}{{cite web |date= |title=Walter Hawkins |url=https://www.grammy.com/artists/walter-hawkins/7807 |access-date=June 28, 2023 |website=grammy.com |publisher=The Recording Academy}}{{cite work|title=Walter Hawkins: The Hawkins Family Live|date=1980|publisher=Light Records}} He also wrote a song called Only In Chicago with Barry Manilow on his 1980 album Barry. That album was certified Platinum in the US by the RIAA{{cite work|title=Barry Manilow: Barry|date=1980|publisher=Arista Records}}{{cite web |title=Barry Manilow: Barry |url=https://www.riaa.com/gold-platinum/?tab_active=default-award&ar=Barry+Manilow&ti=&lab=&genre=&format=&date_option=certification&from=1981-02-01&to=1981-02-28&award=&type=&category=&adv=SEARCH#search_section |access-date=August 21, 2023 |website= |publisher=RIAA}} He also appeared as a guest artist on the Tubes' 1983 album Outside Inside.{{cite work|title=The Tubes: Outside Inside|date=1983|publisher=Capitol Records}}

White later produced Jennifer Holliday's Grammy nominated 1983 LP Feel My Soul.{{cite work|title=Jennifer Holliday: Feel My Soul|date=1983|publisher=Geffen Records}}{{cite web |date= |title=Jennifer Holliday |url=https://www.grammy.com/artists/jennifer-holliday/3153 |access-date=June 28, 2023 |website=Grammy.com}}

White went on to co-produce Barbra Streisand on her 1984 album Emotion.{{cite work|title=Barbra Streisand: Emotion|date=1984|publisher=Columbia Records}} Emotion has been certified Platinum in the US by the RIAA.{{cite web|url=https://www.riaa.com/gold-platinum/?tab_active=default-award&ar=Barbra+Streisand&ti=EMOTION&lab=&genre=&format=&date_option=release&from=&to=&award=&type=&category=&adv=SEARCH#search_section|title=Barbra Streisand: Emotion|publisher=RIAA|website=riaa.com}} He also produced on Ramsey Lewis' 1985 album Fantasy. That album reached No. 13 on the Cashbox Jazz Albums chart.{{cite magazine|url=http://www.americanradiohistory.com/hd2/IDX-Audio/Archive-Stereo-Review-IDX/IDX/80s/HiFi-Stereo-Review-1986-01-OCR-Page-0090.pdf#search=%22ramsey%20lewis%22|title=Album Reviews|page=88|issue=1|volume=51|date=January 1986|magazine=Stereo Review|via=americanradiohistory.com}}{{cite magazine|url=https://archive.org/details/cashbox49unse_27/page/20|title=Top Jazz Albums|page=21|issue=27|volume=49|date=December 28, 1985|magazine=Cashbox|via=archive.org}}

He also appeared as a guest artist on Lee Ritenour's Grammy nominated 1986 album Earth Run.{{cite work|title=Lee Ritenour: Earth Run

|date=April 1986|publisher=GRP Records}}{{cite web|url=https://www.grammy.com/grammys/artists/lee-ritenour|title=Lee Ritenour|publisher=The Recording Academy|website=grammy.com|date=November 23, 2020}} White later co-produced with Lenny White Pieces of a Dream's 1986 album Joyride. This reached No. 3 on the Billboard Traditional Jazz Albums chart and No. 18 on the Billboard Top Soul Albums chart.{{cite work|title=Pieces of a Dream: Joyride|date=1986|publisher=Manhattan Records}}{{cite web|url=https://www.billboard.com/artist/pieces-of-a-dream/chart-history/jlp/|title=Pieces of a Dream: Joyride (Traditional Jazz Albums)|website=billboard.com}}{{cite web|url=https://www.billboard.com/artist/pieces-of-a-dream/chart-history/blp/|title=Pieces of a Dream: Joyride (Top Soul Albums)|website=billboard.com}}

White also produced on Neil Diamond's 1986 album Headed for the Future. This album has been certified Gold in the US by the RIAA.{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1986/07/20/arts/coming-home-to-perform-neil-diamond-takes-stock-of-life-at-the-top.html|title=Neil Diamond: At The Top|date=July 20, 1986|last1=Holden|first1=Stephen|website=The New York Times}}{{cite web|url=https://www.riaa.com/gold-platinum/?tab_active=default-award&ar=Neil+Diamond+&ti=&lab=&genre=&format=&date_option=release&from=1986-01-01&to=1986-12-31&award=&type=&category=&adv=SEARCH#search_section|title=Neil Diamond: Headed for the Future|publisher=RIAA|website=riaa.com}} He worked as a producer with Atlantic Starr on the band's 1987 LP All in the Name of Love.{{cite web|url=https://www.soulandfunkmusic.com/safm-related/safm-artist-interviews/33-artist-interviews/208-interview-with-atlantic-starr-all-in-the-name-of-love.html|title=Interview with Atlantic Starr|author=Berbiers, Mark|website=soulandfunkmusic.com}} The album has been certified Platinum in the US by the RIAA.{{cite web|url=https://www.riaa.com/gold-platinum/?tab_active=default-award&se=Atlantic+Starr+All+in+the+Name+of+Love#search_section|title=Atlantic Starr: All in the Name of Love|website=riaa.com}} He then appeared a guest artist on Cher's 1987 self-titled LP. That album has been certified Platinum in the US by the RIAA.{{cite work|title=Cher: Cher|date=1987|publisher=Columbia Records}}{{cite web|url=https://www.riaa.com/gold-platinum/?tab_active=default-award&ar=Cher&ti=&lab=&genre=&format=&date_option=release&from=1987-01-01&to=1987-12-31&award=P&type=&category=&adv=SEARCH#search_section|title=Cher: Cher|publisher=RIAA|website=riaa.com}} As well he performed as a percussionist and co-produced on Ramsey Lewis's 1987 album Keys to the City. That album got to No. 22 on the Billboard Top Contemporary Jazz Albums chart.{{cite web|url=https://www.allmusic.com/album/keys-to-the-city-mw0000188428|title=Ramsey Lewis: Keys To The City|publisher=allmusic.com}} White co-wrote a tune entitled "Can't Sit Down" upon jazz guitarist Stanley Jordan's 1988 album Flying Home.{{cite AV media notes|title=Flying Home|author=Stanley Jordan|type=album|date=1988|publisher=EMI/Manhattan Records}} Alongside singer El DeBarge, he co-produced, his 1992 album In The Storm.{{cite work|title=El DeBarge: In The Storm|date=1992|publisher=Warner Bros. Records}} The album got to No. 22 on the Blues & Soul Top UK Soul Albums chart.{{cite work|title=Top UK Soul Albums|date=May 19, 1992|publisher=Blues and Soul}}

White collaborated with the Japanese band Dreams Come True on two songs. "Wherever You Are" from their 1994 album Delicious, and "Eternity", which appeared on the soundtrack for the 1994 animated film The Swan Princess.

As well he produced on Ramsey Lewis's 1993 album Sky Islands.{{cite work|title=Ramsey Lewis: Sky Islands|date=1993|publisher=GRP Records}} That album rose to No. 4 on the Billboard Contemporary Jazz Albums chart and No. 6 on the Billboard Top Jazz Albums chart. He also appeared as a guest artist on Marcus Miller's 1993 album The Sun Don't Lie.{{cite work|title=Marcus Miller: The Sun Don't Lie|date=1993|publisher=PRA Records}} That album rose to No. 10 on the Billboard Jazz Albums chart.{{cite web|url=https://www.billboard.com/artist/marcus-miller/chart-history/jls/|title=Marcus Miller: The Sun Don't Lie (Top Jazz Albums)|website=billboard.com}}

White went on to produce the debut album of jazz group Urban Knights released in 1995 by GRP Records. Urban Knights I featured Ramsey Lewis, percussionist Omar Hakim, trumpeter Freddie Hubbard, The Emotions and saxophonist Grover Washington, Jr. That album rose to No. 5 on the US Billboard Jazz Albums chart and No. 9 on the UK Jazz & Blues Albums chart.{{cite work|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=si1LAAAAYAAJ&q=Maurice+White|title=Urban Knights|year=1995|page=79|volume=25|publisher=Jazz Times Magazine}}{{cite web|url=https://www.billboard.com/music/urban-knights/chart-history/JLS/song/179875|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191109133427/https://www.billboard.com/music/urban-knights/chart-history/JLS/song/179875|url-status=dead|archive-date=November 9, 2019|title=Urban nights: Urban Knights I (Jazz Albums)|website=billboard.com}}{{Cite web |title=Urban Knights - Urban Knights |url=https://www.officialcharts.com/albums/urban-knights-urban-knights |website=officialcharts.com}}

He also made a guest appearance on a song called Midnite by British R&B group D'Influence's 1995 album Prayer 4 Unity. "Midnite" reached No. 11 on the UK R&B Singles chart and No. 24 on the UK Dance Singles chart.{{cite work|title=D' Influence: Midnite|date=1995|publisher=EastWest Records}}{{cite web |date= |title=D-Influence: Midnite |url=https://www.officialcharts.com/songs/d-influence-midnite |website=officialcharts.com |publisher=Official Charts}}

During 1996 White launched his own record label dubbed Kalimba Records.{{cite magazine|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=vwcEAAAAMBAJ|title=The Beat|author=Newman, Melinda|page=13|issue=35|volume=108|date=August 31, 1996|magazine=The Beat}}{{cite magazine|url=https://archive.org/details/cashbox59unse_43/page/8|title=The Rhythm|author=Miro, Peter|page=8|issue=43|volume=59|date=August 17, 1996|magazine=Cashbox|via=archive.org}}

The Urban Knight's second album, Urban Knights II was again produced by Maurice. Urban Knights II featured artists such as Ramsey Lewis, Paulinho Da Costa, Verdine White, singer-songwriter and guitarist Jonathan Butler and jazz saxophonist Najee. The album got to No. 7 on the US Billboard Jazz Albums chart and No. 24 on the UK Jazz & Blues Albums chart.{{cite web|url=https://jazztimes.com/archives/urban-knights-urban-knights-ii/|title=Urban Knights: Urban Knights II|publisher=Jazz Times|website=jazztimes.com|date=April 25, 2019 }}{{cite web|url=https://www.billboard.com/music/urban-knights/chart-history/JLS/song/179480|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191109051059/https://www.billboard.com/music/urban-knights/chart-history/JLS/song/179480|url-status=dead|archive-date=November 9, 2019|title=Urban Knights: Urban Knights II (Jazz Albums)|website=Billboard.com}}{{Cite web |title=Urban Knights - Urban Knights II |url=https://www.officialcharts.com/albums/urban-knights-urban-knights-ii |website=officialcharts.com}} White also arranged on British girl group Cleopatra's 1998 album Comin' Atcha!. Comin' Atcha peaked at number 20 on the UK Pop albums chart and was certified Silver in the UK by the BPI.{{cite web|url=https://www.allmusic.com/album/comin-atcha-mw0000599346|title=Cleopatra: Comin Atcha'|website=allmusic.com}}[http://www.officialcharts.com/search/albums/comin'%20atcha!/ Official albums chart results: Comin' Atcha! (Cleopatra)]. Official Charts. The Official UK Charts Company. Retrieved February 6, 2016.{{cite web|url=https://www.bpi.co.uk/award/1474-457-2|title=Cleopatra: Comin' Atcha|publisher=BPI|website=bpi.co.uk}}

White co-produced saxophonist Paul Taylor's 2000 album Undercover. The album peaked at No. 3 on the US Billboard Top Contemporary Jazz Albums chart and at No. 27 on the US Billboard Top Independent Albums chart.{{cite web|url=https://jazztimes.com/departments/hearsay/paul-taylor/|title=Paul Taylor|author=Soergel, Brian|date=June 1, 2000|publisher=Jazz Times}}{{cite web|url=http://www.americanradiohistory.com/hd2/IDX-Business/Music/Billboard-Index/IDX/2000/2000-03-18-Billboard-Page-0055.pdf#search=%22undercover%22|title=Top Independent Albums|page=55|date=March 18, 2000|publisher=Billboard|via=worldradiohistory.com|access-date=May 6, 2025}}{{cite web|url=http://www.americanradiohistory.com/hd2/IDX-Business/Music/Billboard-Index/IDX/2000/2000-03-18-Billboard-Page-0038.pdf#search=%22undercover%22|title=Top Contemporary Jazz Albums|date=March 18, 2000|page=38|publisher=Billboard|via=worldradiohistory.com|access-date=May 6, 2025}} He also appeared as a guest artist on Jazz saxophonist Kirk Whalum's 2003 album Into My Soul.{{cite web|url=https://jazztimes.com/features/profiles/kirk-whalum-soul-comes-home/|title=Kirk Whalum: Soul Comes Home|author=Soergel, Brian|date=June 1, 2007|publisher=Jazz Times|website=jazztimes.com}} As well White collaborated with French jazz band Nojazz on tunes "Nobody Else" and "Kool" from their 2006 album Have Fun. "Kool" marked the first time White performed with his friend Stevie Wonder on record.{{cite work|title=No Jazz: Have Fun|date=2010|publisher=UP Music}}

White later executively produced a EWF tribute album entitled Interpretations: Celebrating the Music of Earth, Wind & Fire, released in March 2007 by Stax Records. The album rose to no. 28 on the Billboard Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart. On the LP were featured artists such as Chaka Khan, Musiq Soulchild, Mint Condition, Kirk Franklin and Angie Stone. Kirk Franklin's cover of "September" reached No. 17 on the Billboard Adult R&B Songs chart and No. 26 on the Billboard Hot Gospel Songs chart. As well Dwele's remake of "That's The Way Of The World" and Meshell Ndegeocello's cover of "Fantasy" were both Grammy nominated for Best Urban/Alternative Performance.{{cite web|url=https://www.billboard.com/artist/various-artists/chart-history/blp/|title=Various Artists: Interpretations: Celebrating The Music Of Earth, Wind & Fire (Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums)|website=Billboard.com}}{{cite web|url=https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=bQxXy5XSGHc| archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211117/bQxXy5XSGHc| archive-date=2021-11-17 | url-status=live|title=Interpretations: Celebrating The Music of Earth Wind & Fire EPK|publisher=Stax Records|website=youtube.com| date=March 16, 2007}}{{cbignore}}{{cite web|url=https://www.billboard.com/artist/kirk-franklin/chart-history/rba/|title=Kirk Franklin: September (Adult R&B Songs)|website=billboard.com}}{{cite web|url=https://www.billboard.com/artist/kirk-franklin/chart-history/gsi/|title=Kirk Franklin: September (Hot Gospel Songs)|website=billboard.com}}{{cite web |date= |title=Dwele |url=https://www.grammy.com/artists/dwele/16644 |access-date=June 28, 2023 |website=grammy.com |publisher=The Recording Academy}}{{cite web |date= |title=Meshell Ndegeocello |url=https://www.grammy.com/artists/meshell-ndegeocello/5220 |access-date=June 28, 2023 |website=grammy.com |publisher=The Recording Academy}}

He then executively produced jazz musician Brian Culbertson's album Bringing Back The Funk, released in 2008 on GRP Records. Bringing Back the Funk rose to No. 3 on the Billboard Jazz Albums chart and No. 18 on the Top R&B/Hip Hop Albums chart.{{cite web|url=https://jazztimes.com/reviews/currents/brian-culbertson-bringing-back-the-funk/|title=Brian Culbertson: Bringing Back the Funk|website=Jazz Times.com|date=April 26, 2019 }}{{cite web|url=https://www.billboard.com/artist/brian-culbertson/chart-history/jls/|title=Brian Culbertson: Bringing Back the Funk (Jazz Albums)|website=Billboard.com}}{{cite web|url=https://www.billboard.com/artist/brian-culbertson/chart-history/blp/|title=Brian Culbertson: Bringing Back the Funk (Top R&B/Hip Hop Albums)|website=Billboard.com}} This album featured guest artists such as Ray Parker Jr., Sheldon Reynolds, Bootsy Collins, Larry Graham, Ledisi, Ronnie Laws, Musiq Soulchild, Bernie Worrell, Maceo Parker, Larry Dunn and Gerald Albright. A song from the album called "Always Remember" got to No. 1 on the Billboard Smooth Jazz Songs chart.{{cite web|url=https://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=93252355|title=Culbertson Switches Up the Groove|author=Martin, Michel|date=August 11, 2008|website=npr.org}}{{cite web|url=https://www.billboard.com/artist/brian-culbertson/chart-history/jsi/|title=Brian Culbertson: Always Remember|website=Billboard.com}} Culbertson revealed in an interview that he is "...still in disbelief. I have learned so much from (Maurice) and he actually said that he learned a lot from me. It was incredible to work with him."{{cite news|url=http://www.allaboutjazz.com/php/article.php?id=29552|title=Brian Culbertson: Bringing Back the Funk|first=Katrina-Kasey|last=Wheeler|date=June 11, 2008| publisher=All About Jazz| website=allaboutjazz.com}}

Maurice also co-wrote a tune called "Eye to Eye", that eventually appeared on British soul singer Jaki Graham's 2018 album When a Woman Loves.{{cite web|url=https://www.expressandstar.com/entertainment/music/2018/06/08/jaki-graham-talks-beverly-knight-wolverhampton-influences-and-new-music/|title=Jaki Graham talks Beverley Knight, Wolverhampton influences and new music|author=Richardson, Andy|date=June 8, 2018|publisher=Express and Star|access-date=May 5, 2025}}

File:Maurice White 2000.jpg

During 1985, White released a self titled solo album on Columbia. Robin Denselow of The Guardian called the album a "lush collection of self produced dance tracks, and the occasional ballad, with synths and drum programming immaculately in place, and the vocals as classy as ever". J.D. Considine of Musician also said the "Given his status as Earth, Wind & Fire's Shining Star, it comes as no surprise that White's first solo project sounds a lot like classic EW&F: tight, focused and punchy. But while White remembers to sink a hook into every verse and chorus, the emphasis here is on subtlety and sophistication as he works his way from R&B basics, from the studio mechanics of 'Switch on Your Radio' to the modified doo wop of 'Stand By Me', with a sense of craft that makes slickness irrelevant".{{cite work|title= Maurice White (album)|date=September 1985|publisher=Columbia Records}}{{cite web|url=https://www.newspapers.com/newspage/260264418/|title=Maurice White: Maurice White|author=Denselow, Robin|page=19|date=October 11, 1985|publisher=The Guardian|website=newspapers.com}}{{cite web |url=https://www.worldradiohistory.com/Archive-All-Music/Musician/1980/1985/Musician-1985-12.pdf|title=SHORT ROCK TAKES|author=Considine, J.D.|author-link=J.D. Considine|page=108|issue=86|date=December 1, 1985|publisher=Musician}}

The album rose to number 12 on the Billboard Top Soul Albums chart. A cover of Ben E. King's "Stand by Me", feat. jazz saxophonist Gerald Albright got to No. 6 on the Billboard Hot Soul Singles and No. 11 on the Billboard Adult Contemporary Songs chart.{{cite web|url=https://www.billboard.com/artist/maurice-white/chart-history/blp/|title=Maurice White (album): (Top R&B Albums)|website=Billboard.com}}{{cite web|url=https://www.billboard.com/artist/maurice-white/chart-history/bsi/|title=Maurice White: Stand By Me (Hot R&B Songs)|website=Billboard.com}}{{cite web|url=https://www.billboard.com/artist/maurice-white/chart-history/asi/|title=Maurice White: Stand By Me (Adult Contemporary Songs)|website=Billboard.com}}

Another single from the album called "I Need You" rose to No. 20 on the Billboard Adult Contemporary Songs chart and No. 30 on the Billboard Hot Soul Singles chart.{{cite web|url=https://www.billboard.com/artist/maurice-white/chart-history/asi/|title= Maurice White: I Need You (Adult Contemporary Songs)|website=billboard.com}}{{cite web|url=https://www.billboard.com/artist/maurice-white/chart-history/bsi/|title= Maurice White: I Need You (Hot R&B Songs)|website=billboard.com}}

In 2019, an album of previously unreleased recordings, titled Manifestation, was released. This album consists of selected tracks worked on by White and songwriter/producer Preston Glass over a period of nearly 30 years.{{Cite web|title=MAURICE WHITE: MANIFESTATION (SoulMusic Records/Warner X)|url=https://www.soulmusic.com/article/maurice-white-manifestation-soulmusic-recordswarner-x|access-date=2021-06-11|website=SoulMusic|date=December 18, 2019 |language=en}}

White wrote and produced songs for the feature films Coming to America, A Low Down Dirty Shame, and Gatchaman OVA. He also composed music for the television series Life Is Wild.{{cite web|url=https://m.imdb.com/name/nm0925200/filmotype/soundtrack?ref_=m_nmfm_1|title=Maurice White|website=IMDB.com}} During 2006 he worked with Gregory Hines' brother, Maurice on the Broadway play Hot Feet. White and Allee Willis also wrote several new songs for the play.{{cite news|url=https://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=5396295|title=From Earth, Wind & Fire to 'Hot Feet'|date=May 10, 2006|author=Gordon, Ed|website=npr.org}}

In the movie BAADASSSSS!, the actor Khalil Kain portrayed a young Maurice White leading the early incarnation of Earth, Wind & Fire. Released at the 2004 Sundance Film Festival, the film was based on Melvin Van Peebles' struggles to film and distribute the movie Sweet Sweetback's Baadasssss Song. His son, Mario Van Peebles both directed the film and portrayed his father in the lead role.{{cite web|url=http://www.boston.com/ae/movies/articles/2004/06/04/van_peebles_scores_with_look_back_at_sweetback/

|title=Van Peebles scores with look back at Sweetback|author=Burr, Ty|publisher=The Boston Globe|date=June 4, 2004|access-date=February 5, 2016}}{{cite web | url=https://www.today.com/popculture/baadasssss-look-melvin-van-peebles-wbna5054622|title=A 'Baadasssss!' look at Melvin Van Peebles|author=Lemire, Christy|date=May 25, 2004|publisher=The Associated Press|website=today.com}} White also won an ASCAP Award as a composer of "That's The Way Of The World", with it being a theme song of the sitcom Hearts Afire.{{cite web|url=https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0925200/awards|title=Maurice White|website=IMDb}}{{cite web|url=https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0103437/|title=Hearts Afire (TV Series 1992–1995)|author=SanDiego|work=IMDb|date=September 14, 1992}}

White was a married father of three children: one daughter, Hemeya and two sons, Kahbran and Eden. He owned two homes in California, one in Carmel Valley and the other a four-level condominium in Los Angeles. He was a fan of basketball and tennis. He went by the nickname of "Reese".{{cite magazine|title=Maurice White debuts on solo album|magazine=Jet|volume=69|issue=9|page=32|date= November 11, 1985|issn= 0021-5996}}{{cite magazine|title=Earth, Wind & Fire members build their dream homes|magazine=Ebony|volume=33|issue=2|pages=154–159|date=December 1977|issn=0012-9011}} His younger half-brother, Verdine White, an original member of Earth, Wind & Fire, still tours with the band as its bassist and a backing vocalist.{{cite magazine|url=http://www.rocksbackpages.com/article.html?ArticleID=4904|title=Earth Wind And Fire: The Ultimate Collection/Gratitude/All 'N' All/That's The Way Of The World (Columbia)|magazine=Uncut Magazine|first=Kit|last=Aiken|date=September 1999|access-date=April 28, 2009}} Another brother by the name of Fred White, was a member of EW&F from 1971 to 1984.{{Cite web |last=Breen |first=Kerry |date=2023-01-02 |title=Fred White, former drummer for Earth, Wind & Fire, dies at age 67 - CBS News |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/fred-white-dies-age-67-earth-wind-and-fire-drummer/ |access-date=2025-03-25 |website=www.cbsnews.com |language=en-US}}

On the morning of February 4, 2016, White died in his sleep at his Los Angeles home from the effects of Parkinson's disease, at the age of 74.{{Cite web|url=https://www.tmz.com/2016/02/04/maurice-white-earth-wind-and-fire-dead/|title=Earth, Wind & Fire's Maurice White -- Dead at 74|date=February 4, 2016|website=Tmz.com|access-date=May 7, 2024}}{{cite web|url=http://myfox8.com/2016/02/04/maurice-white-earth-wind-fire-co-founder-dead-at-74/|title=Maurice White, Earth, Wind and Fire co-founder, Dies at 74|date=February 4, 2016|publisher=MyFox8.com|access-date=February 4, 2016}}{{cite web |title=Earth, Wind & Fire Founder Maurice White Dead at 74 |url=https://abcnews.go.com/Entertainment/wireStory/earth-wind-fire-founder-maurice-white-dead-74-36722290 |work=ABC News |date=February 4, 2016 |access-date=February 4, 2016}} His brother Verdine said, "My brother, hero and best friend Maurice White passed away peacefully last night in his sleep. 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."{{cite web | url=https://www.facebook.com/EarthWindandFire/ | title=Earth, Wind &Fire | publisher=Facebook | access-date=5 February 2016}}

Along with EW&F, Maurice White was posthumously bestowed with a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award at the annual Grammy Awards ceremony on February 15, 2016, at the Staples Center, Los Angeles, California. At the ceremony Stevie Wonder and Pentatonix performed a rendition of "That's the Way of the World" in tribute to White.{{cite web|url=https://abcnews.go.com/Entertainment/2016-grammy-awards-pay-tribute-late-musicians-david/story?id=36958973|title=2016 Grammy Awards Pay Tribute to Late Musicians David Bowie, Maurice White, Glenn Frey and B.B. King|author=McKenzie, Joi-Marie|date=February 15, 2016|publisher=ABC News|website=abcnews.go.com}}

Artists such as Stokley Williams, Richard Marx, Raphael Saadiq, Larry Blackmon, and Nate Dogg have also named White as an influence.{{cite web|url=https://rollingout.com/2017/02/25/mint-conditions-stokley-williams-takes-solo-leap/|title=Mint Condition's Stokley Williams takes solo leap|website=rollingout.com|date=February 25, 2017}}{{cite web|url=https://americansongwriter.com/2012/01/richard-marx-five-songs-i-wish-were-hits/|title=Richard Marx: Five Songs I Wish Were Hits|website=americansongwriter.com|date=January 20, 2012}}{{cite web|url=http://www.musicincider.com/index.php?action=interview&sub=article&id=337|title=Raphael Saadiq as Ray Ray|website=musicincider.com}}{{cite web|url=https://www.moderndrummer.com/article/february-1983-larry-blackmon-soul-inspiration/|title=Larry Blackmon — Soul Inspiration|author=Fish K., Scott|website=moderndrummer.com}}{{cite web|url=https://www.vice.com/en/article/how-v11n7/|title=How to Grow Up in Long Beach|website=vice.com|date=December 2004 }}

The Grammy Awards are awarded annually by the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences of the United States. White received seven Grammys from 22 nominations.

{{awards table}}

|-

|rowspan="2"|1976

||Earth, Wind & Fire

|Best Instrumental Composition

|{{nom}}

|-

||Best of My Love

|Best Rhythm & Blues Song

|{{nom}}

|-

|rowspan="2"|1978

||Got to Get You into My Life

|Best Instrumental Arrangement Accompanying Vocalist(s)

|{{won}}

|-

||Fantasy

|Best R&B Song

|{{nom}}

|-

||1979

||Maurice White

|Producer of the Year

|{{nom}}

{{end}}

• Four American Music Awards.
• The BET Lifetime Achievement Award
• An ASCAP Rhythm And Soul Award
• An ASCAP Pop Music Award
• Three NAACP Image Awards
• An ASCAP Rhythm and Soul Heritage Award{{cite web|url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/the-promise-of-a-classic-rb-band/|title='The Promise' Of A Classic R&B Band|author=Neal, Rome|date=July 14, 2003|website=cbsnews.com}}
• Honoured by the Jazz Foundation of America.{{cite web|url=https://www.ocregister.com/2014/10/26/country-music-pays-tribute-to-three-greats/|title=Country music pays tribute to three greats|date=October 26, 2014|publisher=Orange County Register|website=ocregister.com}}{{cite web|url=https://www.elmoremagazine.com/2014/11/reviews/shows/a-great-night-in-harlem-featuring-herbie-hancock-questlove-charles-bradley-and-more|title=A Great Night in Harlem featuring Herbie Hancock, Questlove, Charles Bradley and more|author=Allen, Matthew|date=November 10, 2014|publisher=Elmore Magazine|website=elmoremagazine.com}}
• Inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
• Inducted into the Memphis Music Hall of Fame{{cite web|url=https://memphismusichalloffame.com/inductee/mauricewhite/|title=Maurice White|publisher=Memphis Music Hall of Fame|website=memphismusichalloffame.com|date=December 21, 2018 }}
• A Star on the Hollywood Walk Of Fame{{cite web|url=https://www.mauricewhite.com/mw-awards/|title=Maurice White: Awards|publisher=mauricewhite.com|access-date=January 12, 2024}}
• On May 16, 2005, Maurice was honored by Los Angeles Valley College as the first recipient of their Cultural Achievement Award Of Excellence.{{cite web|url=http://www.lavalleystar.com/media/paper295/news/2005/05/18/News/Maurice.White.Honored-953130.shtml|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090601180533/http://www.lavalleystar.com/media/paper295/news/2005/05/18/News/Maurice.White.Honored-953130.shtml|url-status=dead|archive-date=June 1, 2009|title=Maurice White Honored|date=May 18, 2005|first=Tammy|last=Funicello|publisher=La Valley Star}}
• On May 10, 2008, Maurice White and Philip Bailey received honorary doctorates from the Berklee College of Music.{{cite web|url=http://www.berklee.edu/commencement/2008 |title=Maurice White and Philip Bailey received honorary doctorates from the Berklee College of Music |publisher=Berklee.edu |access-date=October 31, 2011}}{{cite web|url=https://www.berklee.edu/commencement/2008/feature_story.html|title=Berklee Grads Find Their Wings|author=Dreilinger, Danielle|date=May 23, 2008|website=berklee.edu}}
• On May 20, 2008, Maurice, Phillip Bailey, Ralph Johnson and Verdine White received honorary doctorates from Columbia College of Chicago.{{cite press release | url=http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/only-at-columbia-no-pomp-and-circumstance-for-these-grads----they-rock-the-house-with-earth-wind--fire-57274922.html | title=Only at Columbia: No Pomp and Circumstance for These Grads – They Rock the House with Earth, Wind & Fire Founding EWF Members Receive Honorary Doctorates, Join Student Musicians for a Rendition of Shining Star | publisher=PR Newswire | access-date=February 7, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160206143031/https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/only-at-columbia-no-pomp-and-circumstance-for-these-grads----they-rock-the-house-with-earth-wind--fire-57274922.html|archive-date=February 6, 2016}}

On September 13, 2016, White's autobiography, Maurice White: My Life With Earth, Wind & Fire, by Maurice White and Herb Powell, was released. The book featured a foreword by Steve Harvey and an afterword by David Foster.{{Cite web |last=bawkrystalfranklin |date=2016-09-12 |title=Verdine White On Brother's New Book: 'It's Maurice's Last Album To The World' |url=https://blackamericaweb.com/2016/09/12/verdine-white-on-brothers-new-book-its-maurices-last-album-to-the-world/ |access-date=2025-03-25 |website=Black America Web |language=en-US}} Maurice White: My Life With Earth, Wind & Fire was also nominated for a NAACP Award in the category of Outstanding Literary Work, Biography/Auto-Biography.{{Cite web |last=Voice |first=The Chocolate |date=2017-02-06 |title=Book Review: Maurice White Bares All in My Life With Earth, Wind & Fire {{!}} The Chocolate Voice |url=https://thechocolatevoice.com/book-review-maurice-white-bares-all-in-my-life-with-earth-wind-fire/ |access-date=2025-03-25 |language=en-US}}

• Albums produced by Maurice White

{{reflist|colwidth=30em}}

{{commons category|Maurice White}}

• {{Official website|http://www.mauricewhite.com}}
• [http://www.kalimbaentertainment.com/ Kalimba Entertainment]
• [http://www.kalimba-music.com/ Kalimba Music]
• [http://www.earthwindandfire.com/ Official Earth, Wind & Fire Website]
• [https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0925200/ Maurice White on IMDB]

{{Earth, Wind & Fire}}

{{2000 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame}}

{{Authority control}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:White, Maurice}}

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