Maurice White, the founder and co-lead singer of Earth, Wind & Fire has passed away. He was 74. The news was first reported by TMZ.

White was a widely influential musician, who was elected to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and the Songwriters Hall of Fame. He served at EW&F’s main songwriter, which was a considerable feat considering the band’s litany of hit records, from “Shining Star” to “After the Love is Gone” to “September.”

White stopped touring with the band in 1994 after being diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease in the late 1980s/early 1990s.

The band is slated to be honored at this year’s Grammy Awards for a lifetime achievement recognition.