Washington, United States : President Barack Obama on Friday mourned Earth, Wind & Fire founder Maurice White for his "quintessentially American sound," hailing the funk legend for bringing together fans across racial lines.
Obama has long described himself as a fan of Earth, Wind & Fire, who hailed from his adopted home of Chicago.
Obama, the first African-American president, invited the band to play an event at the White House shortly after he took office in 2009.
With his bandmates, "Maurice fused jazz, soul, funk and R&B into a quintessentially American sound that captured millions of fans around the world," Obama wrote on Facebook.
"Only Maurice could make such sophisticated songs so catchy. Only he could inspire generations of such diverse artists.
"And only he could get everyone -- old and young, black and white -- to let the groove move them on the dance floor," he wrote.
Earth, Wind & Fire won over a broad audience through its feel-good dance anthems and in 1979 became the first African-American act to sell out Madison Square Garden in New York.
White, who suffered for years from Parkinson's disease, died Wednesday at his home in Los Angeles at age 74, according to his brother and bandmate Verdine White.
Obama has long described himself as a fan of Earth, Wind & Fire, who hailed from his adopted home of Chicago.
Obama, the first African-American president, invited the band to play an event at the White House shortly after he took office in 2009.
"Only Maurice could make such sophisticated songs so catchy. Only he could inspire generations of such diverse artists.
Advertisement
Earth, Wind & Fire won over a broad audience through its feel-good dance anthems and in 1979 became the first African-American act to sell out Madison Square Garden in New York.
Advertisement
COMMENTS
Advertisement
White House Slams Violence Against West Bank Palestinian Settlers By Israel US Looks Forward To Expanding Critical Partnership With India: White House Kamala Harris, Joe Biden To Make Their First Joint Campaign Trip Life On Earth Originates From One Ancestor, Older Than Previously Believed Villagers Try To Drive Away Elephant With Spiked Rods, Fireballs. It Dies Send Reports Every 2 Hours: Centre To States On Kolkata Horror Protests Bengal Health Department Cancels Transfer Order Of 42 Doctors Amid Protests "Illusion": Hamas Official Dismisses US Optimism Over Gaza Ceasefire Talks 2 Killed In West Bank Strike, Israel Says It Targeted "Terrorist Cell'' Track Latest News Live on NDTV.com and get news updates from India and around the world.