Founder of soul band Earth, Wind & Fire, Maurice White has died aged 74.

White died in his sleep in Los Angeles on Thursday morning after a long battle with Parkinson's Disease according to his family.

The band also posted a touching tribute on Twitter to the singer-songwriter.

Earth, Wind and Fire had a string of hits in the 70's and 80's including Boogie Wonderland, Shining Star, September and After the Love has Gone.

In 2000, the band was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. White was individually inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2010.