Which Earth, Wind & Fire founder played kalimba and led the group until his death in 2016? Maurice White did. He founded Earth, Wind & Fire, helped define its sound with the African thumb piano known as the kalimba, and remained the group’s guiding leader until his death.
White was born in Memphis in 1941 and grew up in Chicago, where he worked as a session drummer for Chess Records. He formed Earth, Wind & Fire in 1969, drawing on jazz, soul, funk, R&B and spiritual imagery. The kalimba became one of the band’s instantly recognizable colors, linking its polished arrangements to African musical traditions.
Under White’s direction, Earth, Wind & Fire became one of the most successful popular groups of the 1970s. Albums such as That’s the Way of the World and songs including “Shining Star,” “September” and “Boogie Wonderland” established the band’s expansive sound. White stepped back from touring in the 1990s because of Parkinson’s disease but remained involved creatively. He died on February 4, 2016.