Earth, Wind & Fire founder Maurice White has died at the age of 74 following a long battle with Parkinson’s disease.

The 74-year-old star died in his sleep in Los Angeles on Wednesday (03.02.16) following a long battle with Parkinson’s disease and his family have appealed for privacy as they come to terms with his loss.

His brother, Verdine White, who was also a member of the band, 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.”

The ‘Boogie Wonderland’ hitmaker was diagnosed with the neurological condition in 1992 and had to stop touring in 1994 because of his battle with the disease, though he remained active in the music business and retained executive control of the group.

In addition to his work with Earth, Wind & Fire – whose most successful period began in 1975 with the release of their LP ‘That’s The Way of The World’ and continued throughout the decade – Maurice also worked as a producer for the likes of Cher and Barbra Streisand, and he also co-wrote and co-produced the Emotions’ number one single ‘Best of My Love’.

In 2000, the nine-piece band was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and Maurice was individually inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2010.