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Fred White Of Earth, Wind And Fire Passes Away At 67

Fred White of the legendary band Earth, Wind and Fire tragically passed away on Sunday. The drummer’s brother Verdine White confirmed the news on Instagram.”Our family is saddened today with the loss of an amazing and talented family member, our beloved brother Frederick Eugene ‘Freddie’ White,” he wrote.”But more than that,” Verdine White continued, “at home and beyond he was the wonderful bro that was always entertaining and delightfully mischievous!” Freddie was 67. The cause of his death is still unknown.

Earth, Wind And Fire Release Statment

In honor of White, Earth, Wind and Fire also took to Instagram to post a memorial tribute to White, sharing a clip of a drum solo during the band’s tour at Rockpalast in Essen, Germany in 1979. “In memoriam: Fred White, 1955-2022
Seen here soloing during our performance of Runnin’, during our Tour of the World in 1979, at Rockpalast in Essen, Germany. Rest in love ❤️,” the band captioned the heartfelt post.


The group’s lead singer Phillip Bailey also posted a picture on Instagram of the band. “Ralph Johnson and I, with Fred White in the middle… doing what we love. The best of times. We will miss you, Freddie,” Bailey wrote.

Shortly before joining the band, White played the drums on Donny Hathaway’s Live album at 16 years old.  He then joined the band in 1974, shortly after the band’s fifth album Open In Our Eyes was released. Since joining, the band has won six Grammy Awards. They were also inducted in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2000. White has worked with many musicians, including Diana Ross, Jennifer Holiday, The Emotions and Deniece Williams to name a few.

In his 2016 memoir, White’s half-brother Maurice spoke about him. “Fred was the brick wall,” Maurice wrote. “He provided a rock-solid tempo and a rock-solid feel, priceless qualities in a drummer. He was one of the best things going for us.”

White’s legacy will continue to live on as one of the best-selling groups of all time.

Written By: Roy Lott

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‘Versuz’ Announces Exciting New Battles & Teases A Rematch

While the world was in quarantine, many trends and social media apps increased in popularity. I mean, what is there to use when you must avoid the outside world in 2020? The internet. The internet was the only tool that kept many people connected to others around them. Even if it was virtually, the internet was pretty much a haven. Not only did it provide information regarding covid but also comedic and entertainment purposes. Tik-Tok and Verzuz had a massive impact on social media.

Many people thought Verzuz started last year. But in actuality, Verzuz was created in 2017, which led to a producer battle during Hot 97 Summer Jam in 2018. Over time Swizz Beatz and Timbaland would battle each other and other producers until Verzuz picked up its popularity in 2020. Verzuz became a televised event, although it was on social media. Every week people look forward to these matches. Teddy Riley versus Baby Face, Keyshia Cole versus Ashanti, Patti Labelle versus Glady’s night, Monica versus Brandy, and let’s not forget to mention the awkward but impressive Gucci Mane versus Jeezy. I thought that Verzuz was going to end up at a funeral. Whew, Thank God it didn’t.

The inventors also planned a plethora of exciting events to come.
Since the legendary Raekwon versus Ghostface Killah, Swizz and Timberland have announced two events and a blurred rematch that has everyone excited. One battle is Earth, Wind, and Fire versus the Isley Brothers and 420: Method Man versus Redman. Honestly, I was shocked hearing that announcement, and I bet you are too.

In addition to sponsorships, including Ciroc, Doritos, and Apple Music, Verzuz receives alit support. Since the Raekwon versus Ghostface Killah battle, Verzuz partneres with Thriller. Verzuz is here for the long run.