Boogie On To Heaven

“September”, “Best of My Love” and “Shining Star”. What do these songs have in common?

This week, we mourn the death of one of the disco’s most influential singers, producers and songwriters. This man toured with numerous groups and utilized his experiences to produce high quality music. He attracted talent and brought into existence one of the most successful bands in the history of disco---Earth, Wind and Fire. His contributions as a producer, vocalist and songwriter of the group made it possible for us to enjoy songs like “September”, “Shining Star” and “Boogie Wonderland”. This man was Mr. Maurice White. He died on February 4^th 2016 from Parkinson’s disease. He was 74.

Mr. White never horded his talents. He shared it by contributing to the projects of other artists and musical groups. He co-produced Barbra Streisand’s “23^rd studio album”, Emotion, as well as the song “Best of My Love” by The Emotions. The mix of funk, disco and African vibes turned his songs into works of art recognized on a global scale.

Mr. White, the people of this world thank you for your contributions. May your trip to heaven be as light-step as your dance moves. You were one cool cat and we were lucky to know you through your works. Rest in peace.

The Modern Youth will take today to honor Mr. White by sharing some of the works that he had a hand in making possible. Please enjoy. If any of you are interested, I included a list of references to sites I used to help me put together this article. Until next time....

Maurice White Tribute Playlist

References:

1) “Emotion (Barbra Streisand album)”. Wikipedia.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Emotion_(Barbra_Streisand_album). Date of Access: 2-5-2016.

2) “Boogie Wonderland”. Wikipedia.  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boogie_Wonderland. Date of Access: 2-6-2016.

3) “The Emotions”. Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Emotions. Date of Access: 2-6-2016.

4) “Maurice White Biography”. The Official Maurice White Website. http://www.mauricewhite.com/bio.html. Date of Access: 2-4-2016.

5) “Earth, Wind and Fire’s Maurice White Dead at 74”. TMZ. http://www.tmz.com/2016/02/04/maurice-white-earth-wind-and-fire-dead/. Date of Access: 2-4-2016.

6) 3) “Maurice White”. Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maurice_White. Date of Access: 2-4-2016.