Maurice White, founder and leader of funk act Earth, Wind & Fire, has died. TMZ has reported that he passed away after a long battle with Parkinson’s Disease. He was 74 years old. White’s brother and bandmate Verdine has released the statement through Facebook in response to his passing:

My brother, hero and best friend Maurice White passed away peacefully last night in his sleep. While the world has lost another great musician and legend, our family asks that our privacy is respected as we start what will be a very difficult and life changing transition in our lives. Thank you for your prayers and well wishes.