Maurice White (born December 19, 1941; died February 3, 2016) was an American singer-songwriter, musician, record producer, arranger and bandleader. He was the founder of the band Earth, Wind & Fire and the older brother of current and former Earth, Wind & Fire members Verdine White and Fred White respectively. White served as the band's main songwriter and record producer, and was co-lead singer (along with Phillip Bailey). White has won seven Grammys, and was nominated for Grammys 21 times in total.