The Legends We Lost: A Complete Look At All Earth, Wind & Fire Members Who Have Died (Updated 2025)

The iconic sound of Earth, Wind & Fire (EWF) is timeless, but the band's lineup has seen a number of profound losses over the decades, particularly in recent years. The funk and soul powerhouse, known for hits like "September" and "Shining Star," has felt the weight of time, with several influential musicians passing away, most notably the visionary founder, Maurice White. This article, updated in December 2025, provides a definitive and current list of every Earth, Wind & Fire member who has died, detailing their contributions and the circumstances of their passing to honor their enduring musical legacy.

The recent deaths of key instrumentalists and long-time contributors have brought renewed attention to the incredible talent that shaped EWF. From the driving rhythm of the "Original 9" drummer Fred White to the smooth saxophone of Andrew Woolfolk, the loss of these R&B legends leaves a void in the world of music, but their work continues to inspire new generations.

The Complete List of Deceased Earth, Wind & Fire Members

The following list details the core and long-time members of Earth, Wind & Fire who have passed away, presented with their biographical information and role in the band.

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• Maurice White (Founder, Lead Singer, Songwriter, Percussionist)
• Born: December 19, 1941, in Memphis, Tennessee
• Died: February 4, 2016, in Los Angeles, California
• Age: 74
• Cause of Death: Complications from Parkinson's disease.
• Fred White (Drummer)
• Born: January 13, 1955, in Chicago, Illinois
• Died: January 1, 2023
• Age: 67
• Cause of Death: Not publicly disclosed, but his passing was announced by his brother, Verdine White.
• Sheldon Reynolds (Guitarist, Vocalist)
• Born: October 13, 1959, in Cincinnati, Ohio
• Died: May 23, 2023
• Age: 63
• Cause of Death: Not publicly disclosed.
• Andrew Woolfolk (Saxophonist, Flutist)
• Born: October 11, 1950, in Texas
• Died: April 24, 2022
• Age: 71
• Cause of Death: Lengthy illness, confirmed to be a six-year battle with an undisclosed condition.
• Roland Bautista (Guitarist)
• Born: May 30, 1951, in New York City
• Died: February 29, 2012
• Age: 60
• Cause of Death: Natural causes.
• Louis Satterfield (Bassist, Trombonist)
• Born: April 3, 1937, in Chicago, Illinois
• Died: September 27, 2004
• Age: 67
• Cause of Death: Not publicly disclosed.
• Wade Flemons (Vocalist, Percussionist)
• Born: January 22, 1940, in Coffeyville, Kansas
• Died: October 13, 1993, in Battle Creek, Michigan
• Age: 53
• Cause of Death: Cancer.

The Most Recent Losses: Honoring the Musicians Who Passed Away in 2022 and 2023

The years 2022 and 2023 were particularly difficult for the EWF family and its fans, marking the passing of three key instrumentalists who helped define the band's signature sound. These recent losses highlight the enduring power and the eventual fragility of the group's original lineup.

Fred White: The Powerhouse Drummer of the 'Original 9'

Fred White, the younger brother of founder Maurice White and bassist Verdine White, was one of the most celebrated drummers in funk and soul history. He passed away on January 1, 2023, at the age of 67. Fred was a child prodigy who joined EWF in 1974, becoming a crucial component of the band's most commercially successful period. His powerful, precise, and instantly recognizable drumming is the backbone of classic tracks like "September," "Shining Star," and "Boogie Wonderland." While the specific cause of his death was not publicly disclosed, his brother, Verdine White, honored him as a member of the "EWF ORIGINAL 9," underscoring his irreplaceable role in the group’s golden era.

Sheldon Reynolds: The Guitarist Who Carried the Torch

Just months after Fred White's passing, the band mourned the loss of guitarist and vocalist Sheldon Reynolds, who died on May 23, 2023, at age 63. Reynolds joined Earth, Wind & Fire in 1987 and was instrumental in the band's later years, contributing to their songwriting and maintaining their electric stage presence. Before his tenure with EWF, he was also a member of The Commodores. His ability to blend rock, soul, and funk guitar styles helped keep the EWF sound fresh for new audiences. The cause of his death remains private, but his passing was confirmed by current EWF member Philip Bailey, emphasizing the close-knit nature of the band's extended family.

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Andrew Woolfolk: The Long-Time Saxophone Virtuoso

Andrew Woolfolk, the band’s long-time saxophonist and flutist, passed away on April 24, 2022, at the age of 71. Woolfolk's smooth, soaring saxophone solos provided a distinct jazz and R&B flavor to many of EWF's biggest hits. He performed with the band for two long stints—from 1973 to 1984 and again from 1987 to 1993—making him a core part of their musical identity. His death followed a six-year battle with an undisclosed illness, a testament to his resilience and dedication to music. His contributions are a key part of the instrumental texture that makes EWF's music so rich and complex.

Maurice White's Enduring Legacy and the Battle with Parkinson's

No discussion of Earth, Wind & Fire’s history or its deceased members is complete without acknowledging the creative genius of its founder, Maurice White. White was the driving force, main songwriter, and chief producer who blended African, funk, soul, pop, and jazz influences into the unique "Earth, Wind & Fire sound."

Maurice White died on February 4, 2016, at age 74, after a long and private battle with Parkinson's disease. He was diagnosed with the progressive neurological disorder in the early 1990s, which led him to stop touring with the band in 1994, though he remained creatively involved. His passing marked the end of an era, but his musical philosophy—rooted in spiritual harmony and positive energy—continues to guide the surviving members, including his brother, bassist Verdine White, and lead vocalist Philip Bailey.

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White’s vision produced some of the most enduring hits of the 20th century, including "After the Love Has Gone," "Fantasy," and "Let's Groove." His use of the kalimba, an African thumb piano, became one of the band's most recognizable sonic trademarks, cementing his status as an R&B legend and innovator.

The Earliest Losses: Core Contributors and Session Masters

While the deaths of Maurice and the more recent members are widely known, other foundational musicians who contributed significantly to the band's early success have also passed away.

• Wade Flemons: An early vocalist and percussionist, Flemons was a member of the Salty Peppers, the precursor to Earth, Wind & Fire, and a key figure in the band's initial formation. His death from cancer in 1993 was one of the first major losses for the EWF family.
• Louis Satterfield: A respected bassist and trombonist, Satterfield was part of the "Phenix Horns" (later the Earth, Wind & Fire Horns) and played on many of the band's classic tracks. He was also a prolific session musician at Chess Records in Chicago, connecting him to the deep roots of the city's soul music scene. He died in 2004.
• Roland Bautista: An early and later-period guitarist, Bautista contributed to classic albums like Last Days and Time (1972) and returned for their 1987 album Touch the World. His versatility on the guitar helped define the band's eclectic sound. He passed away from natural causes in 2012.

The collective passing of these influential musicians serves as a poignant reminder of the incredible depth of talent that Earth, Wind & Fire brought to the world. Their music, a vibrant tapestry of funk, soul, disco, and R&B, lives on, ensuring that the legacy of every member, both past and present, remains immortal.