<P> Maurice White ( December 19 , 1941 -- February 4 , 2016 ) was an American singer - songwriter , musician , record producer , arranger , and bandleader . He was the founder of the band Earth , Wind & Fire . He was also the older brother of current Earth , Wind & Fire member Verdine White , and former member Fred White . He served as the band 's main songwriter and record producer , and was co-lead singer along with Philip Bailey . </P>
who died in the band earth wind and fire
Maurice White