Maurice White of Earth, Wind & Fire has passed away

It's been quite a dismal launch into the new year for music. Already, we've lost historic music icons like David Bowie and The Eagles guitarist Glenn Frey. Today, yet another leaves us.

Maurice White, co-founder of the legendary Earth, Wind & Fire group that became idolized for their influence in the soul, R&B and disco realm, passed away at age 74 after his battle with Parkinson's disease.

Though the band has continued touring over the past few years, White retreated from live performances due to his illness. Him and his brother Verdine White were two founders of the nine-piece collective that would go on to sell over 90 million albums and offer timeless classics like 'Let's Groove', 'Boogie Wonderland' and so many more.

"My brother, hero and best friend Maurice White passed away peacefully last night in his sleep," His brother Verdine said in a statement, which has also been posted on the group's official Facebook. "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."

*****Valerie Lee is Mixmag's West Coast Editor. Follow her on Twitter*****