Verdine Adams White (born Verdine Adams Jr.; July 25, 1951) is an American musician, best known as a founding member and bassist for the band

Earth, Wind & Fire Earth, Wind & Fire (abbreviated as EW&F or EWF) is an American band formed in Chicago, Illinois in 1969. Their music spans multiple genres, including jazz, R&B, soul, funk, disco, pop, Latin and Afro-pop. They are among the best-selling ba ...

. White was placed at No. 19 on

Rolling Stone ''Rolling Stone'' is an American monthly magazine that focuses on music, politics, and popular culture. It was founded in San Francisco, California, in 1967 by Jann Wenner and the music critic Ralph J. Gleason. The magazine was first known fo ...

's list o
The 50 Greatest Bassists of All Time

Early life

Verdine was born Verdine Adams, Jr. in

Chicago, Illinois Chicago is the List of municipalities in Illinois, most populous city in the U.S. state of Illinois and in the Midwestern United States. With a population of 2,746,388, as of the 2020 United States census, 2020 census, it is the List of Unite ...

, on July 25, 1951. His father, Verdine Sr., was a doctor who also played the

saxophone The saxophone (often referred to colloquially as the sax) is a type of single-reed woodwind instrument with a conical body, usually made of brass. As with all single-reed instruments, sound is produced when a reed on a mouthpiece vibrates to p ...

. He grew up listening to recordings of

Miles Davis Miles Dewey Davis III (May 26, 1926September 28, 1991) was an American jazz trumpeter, bandleader, and composer. He is among the most influential and acclaimed figures in the history of jazz and 20th century music, 20th-century music. Davis ado ...

John Coltrane John William Coltrane (September 23, 1926 – July 17, 1967) was an American jazz saxophonist, bandleader and composer. He is among the most influential and acclaimed figures in the Jazz#Post-war jazz, history of jazz and 20th-century musi ...

, and other

jazz Jazz is a music genre that originated in the African-American communities of New Orleans, Louisiana, in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Its roots are in blues, ragtime, European harmony, African rhythmic rituals, spirituals, h ...

musicians. He was also influenced by Cleveland Eaton,

The Beatles The Beatles were an English Rock music, rock band formed in Liverpool in 1960. The core lineup of the band comprised John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison and Ringo Starr. They are widely regarded as the Cultural impact of the Beatle ...

, the

Motown sound Motown is an American record label owned by the Universal Music Group. Founded by Berry Gordy, Berry Gordy Jr. as Tamla Records on January 12, 1959, it was incorporated as Motown Record Corporation on April 14, 1960. Its name, a portmanteau ...

, and his two drummer brothers,

Fred Fred or FRED may refer to: People * Fred (name), including a list of people and characters with the name Mononym * Fred (cartoonist) (1931–2013), pen name of Fred Othon Aristidès, French * Fred (footballer, born 1949) (1949–2022), Fred ...

and Maurice. When he was 15, he saw a

double bass The double bass (), also known as the upright bass, the acoustic bass, the bull fiddle, or simply the bass, is the largest and lowest-pitched string instrument, chordophone in the modern orchestra, symphony orchestra (excluding rare additions ...

in his

high school A secondary school, high school, or senior school, is an institution that provides secondary education. Some secondary schools provide both ''lower secondary education'' (ages 11 to 14) and ''upper secondary education'' (ages 14 to 18), i.e., ...

orchestra class and decided that he wanted to play bass. He soon got a red

electric bass The bass guitar (), also known as the electric bass guitar, electric bass, or simply the bass, is the lowest-pitched member of the guitar family. It is similar in appearance and construction to an electric but with a longer neck and scale leng ...

and, taking the advice of brother Maurice and his father, took private lessons from Radi Velah of the

Chicago Symphony Orchestra The Chicago Symphony Orchestra (CSO) is an American symphony orchestra based in Chicago, Illinois. Founded by Theodore Thomas in 1891, the ensemble has been based in the Symphony Center since 1904 and plays a summer season at the Ravinia F ...

, learning the Billè double bass method, and on weekends learned the electric bass with

Chess Records Chess Records was an American record company established in 1950 in Chicago, specializing in blues and rhythm and blues. It was the successor to Aristocrat Records, founded in 1947. It expanded into soul music, gospel music, early rock an ...

session bassist and trombonist

Louis Satterfield Louis Edward Satterfield (April 3, 1937 – September 27, 2004) was an American bassist and trombonist. Satterfield was a member of both The Pharaohs and the Phenix Horns. He also collaborated with prominent artists such as Earth, Wind & Fire, Mu ...

, who would later become a member of Earth, Wind & Fire's famed

horn section A horn section is a group of musicians playing horns. In an orchestra or concert band, it refers to the musicians who play the "French" horn, and in a British-style brass band it is the tenor horn players. In many popular music genres, the term ...

, The Phenix Horns. Verdine says he learned everything about the bass guitar from Louis Satterfield, and some of his early bass influences were

James Jamerson James Lee Jamerson (January 29, 1936 – August 2, 1983) was an American bassist. He was the uncredited bassist on most of the Motown Records hits in the 1960s and early 1970s (Motown did not list session musician credits on their releases un ...

Paul McCartney Sir James Paul McCartney (born 18 June 1942) is an English singer, songwriter and musician who gained global fame with the Beatles, for whom he played bass guitar and the piano, and shared primary songwriting and lead vocal duties with John ...

, and Gary Karr. Moving toward a newly bought Fender Telecaster Bass instead of the upright bass, Verdine began working the Chicago club scene with local bands. Meanwhile, brother Maurice, who was a former session drummer at

and a member of pianist Ramsey Lewis' trio, had formed the Salty Peppers, scoring a local hit that caught the ears of

Capitol Records Capitol Records, LLC (known legally as Capitol Records, Inc. until 2007), and simply known as Capitol, is an American record label owned by Universal Music Group through its Capitol Music Group imprint. It was founded as the first West Coast-base ...

. In early 1970 Maurice moved to Los Angeles, hoping to record the group, which he had renamed Earth, Wind & Fire and called up Verdine asking whether he would like to join, which he did, arriving in Los Angeles on June 6, 1970.

Career

Earth, Wind & Fire

Verdine White in 1982 with Earth Wind and Fire

As Earth, Wind & Fire's bassist since the band's inception, White has won six and received two honoree

Grammy Award The Grammy Awards, stylized as GRAMMY, and often referred to as The Grammys, are awards presented by The Recording Academy of the United States to recognize outstanding achievements in music. They are regarded by many as the most prestigious ...

s, has been Grammy nominated eighteen times and has also been inducted into the

Rock and Roll Hall of Fame The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame (RRHOF), also simply referred to as the Rock Hall, is a museum and hall of fame located in downtown Cleveland, Ohio, United States, on the shore of Lake Erie. The museum documents the history of rock music and the ...

and the Vocal Group Hall of Fame, to name a few honors. The band has also earned more than 50 gold and platinum albums and have sold over 90 million albums worldwide. In November 2008 White was presented with '' Bass Player'' magazine's Lifetime Achievement Award by

Nathan East Nathan Harrell East (born December 8, 1955) is an American jazz, R&B, and rock bass guitarist and vocalist. With more than 2,000 recordings, East is one of the most recorded bass players in the history of music. East holds a Bachelor of Arts ...

. On Friday, February 26, 2010, Verdine was inducted as a member of

Phi Beta Sigma Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. () is a historically African American fraternity. It was founded at Howard University in Washington, D.C. in 1914. The fraternity's founders, A. Langston Taylor, Leonard F. Morse, and Charles I. Brown, wanted to ...

fraternity at the ceremony held at the Crowne Plaza Beverly Hills Hotel in Los Angeles, California. Verdine White holds an honorary doctorate degree from the American Conservatory of Music. On July 2, 2020, Rolling Stone Australia Magazine ranked White number 19 on "The 50 Greatest Bassists of All Time". On December 19, 2024, White released his first ever solo project entitled, "Superman", in honor of his late brother and founder of Earth, Wind & Fire

Maurice White Maurice White (December 19, 1941 – February 4, 2016) was an American musician, best known as the founder, leader, main songwriter and chief producer of the band Earth, Wind & Fire, also serving as the band's co-lead singer with Philip Bailey. ...

. The song was written by White,

Motown Motown is an American record label owned by the Universal Music Group. Founded by Berry Gordy, Berry Gordy Jr. as Tamla Records on January 12, 1959, it was incorporated as Motown Record Corporation on April 14, 1960. Its name, a portmanteau ...

songwriter Janie Bradford and Carnell Harrell. The song was produced by White's wife

Shelly Clark Shelly Clark (born July 27, 1947) is an American singer, dancer and actress, best known as a founding member of the 1970s R&B girls group, Honey Cone who had the No. 1 Billboard Hot 100 hit single, " Want Ads" released in March 1971. Early life ...

who is a member of the 70s group Honey Cone. It's White's first time out as lead singer. Honey Cone members Shelly Clark, Kathy Merrick and Wendy Smith-Brune are on background vocals. Earth, Wind & Fire's drummer John Paris did all of the musical arrangements.

Songwriter

White's credits as a songwriter date back to Earth, Wind & Fire's self-titled debut studio album, on which White co-wrote "C'mon Children" and "Bad Tune". White co-wrote three songs on their third album, '' Last Days and Time''. He had one writing credit on their fourth album, '' Head To The Sky''. On their fifth album, '' Open Our Eyes'', White co-wrote the group's first top 5 R&B/Soul hit (No. 4), " Mighty, Mighty" along with his brother Maurice. They also co-wrote, " Kalimba Story", a top 10 R&B/Soul hit (No. 6). These two songs along with their single, " Devotion" (No. 23), helped the album top Billboard's Soul Album Chart, given them their first No. 1 album. White's co-writes include some of Earth, Wind & Fire's biggest hits, such as "

That's the Way of the World ''That's the Way of the World'' is the sixth studio album by American band Earth, Wind & Fire, released on March 3, 1975, by Columbia Records. This was also the soundtrack for a That's the Way of the World (film), 1975 motion picture of the same ...

". White is credited on many artist's songs as heard in commercials, movie soundtracks, and televisions shows.

Other work

Philanthropy

White is the co-founder and director of the Verdine White Foundation, which aims to provide musical education to underprivileged and gifted students. During 2007 he was as well inducted into the Boys and Girls Club's Alumni Hall of Fame. White is the founder of the non profit organization, The Verdine White Performing Arts Center (VWPAC), located in Los Angeles. Founded in 2010, VWPAC encourages students to reach their fullest potential as artists and people, equipped with a well-rounded performing arts education and the confidence to take on whatever path they choose within the arts.

Author

In 1978, White co-authored a book with

, ''Playing the Bass Guitar''.

Personal life

Verdine White lives in Los Angeles in a house built in 1919, with his wife of 40 years

. She was once a member of R&B groups

The Ikettes The Ikettes, originally The Artettes, were a trio (sometimes quartet) of female backing vocalists for the Ike & Tina Turner Revue. Despite their origins, the Ikettes became successful artists in their own right. In the 1960s they had chart-toppe ...

and Honey Cone. They have a son and a granddaughter. He also has a twin sister by the name of Geraldine. He is the younger half-brother of Earth, Wind, and Fire band founder

(December 19, 1941 – February 4, 2016), and older brother of drummer Fred White (January 13, 1955 – January 1, 2023), and Monte White, (October 16, 1953 - April 21, 2020). Both were members of Earth, Wind & Fire. Fred played drums and percussion as a band member from 1974 to 1984 and was inducted with the band into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2000. Monte served as the group's tour manager from 1974 to 1984.

Discography

Solo project

* 2024 Verdine White: "Superman" – (Co-writer, Lead vocals and bass)

With Earth, Wind & Fire

Backing musician and production credits

*1974

Ramsey Lewis Ramsey Emmanuel Lewis Jr. (May 27, 1935 – September 12, 2022) was an American jazz piano, jazz pianist, composer, and radio personality. Lewis recorded over 80 albums and received five RIAA certification, gold records and three Grammy Awards ...

: '' Sun Goddess'' – (bass, vocals) *1975 Ramsey Lewis: ''Electric Collection'' – (bass, vocals) *1976

Gene Harris Gene Harris (born Eugene Haire, September 1, 1933 – January 16, 2000) was an American jazz pianist known for his warm sound and blues and gospel infused style that is known as soul jazz. From 1956 to 1970, he played in The Three Sounds tri ...

: ''

In a Special Way ''In a Special Way'' is the third studio album by American R&B group DeBarge, released by Gordy Records on September 23, 1983. It was recorded at Kendun Records in Burbank and Westlake Audio in West Hollywood; written and produced by lead voca ...

'' – (bass) *1976

The Emotions The Emotions are an American soul/ R&B vocal group from Chicago. The group started out in gospel music but transitioned into R&B and disco music. The Emotions were named by VH1 as one of the 18 most influential girl groups of all time. Hist ...

: ''

Flowers Flowers, also known as blooms and blossoms, are the reproductive structures of flowering plants ( angiosperms). Typically, they are structured in four circular levels, called whorls, around the end of a stalk. These whorls include: calyx, m ...

'' – (bass) *1976

Deniece Williams June Deniece Williams (née Chandler; born June 3, 1950) is an American singer. She has been described as "one of the great Soul music, soul voices" by the BBC. She is best known for the songs "Free (Deniece Williams song), Free", "Silly (song ...

: '' This Is Niecy'' – (bass) *1977 The Emotions: '' Rejoice'' – (bass) *1977: Gene Harris: '' Tone Tantrum'' – (bass) *1977: Lenny White: Big City *1977:

Harvey Mason Harvey William Mason (born February 22, 1947) is an American jazz drummer, record producer, and member of the band Fourplay. He was the original drummer for Herbie Hancock's band The Headhunters. Life and career Mason was born and grew ...

Funk in a Mason Jar ''Funk in a Mason Jar'' is the third studio album by jazz artist Harvey Mason, released in 1977 by Eleni. The album peaked at No. 9 on the US ''Billboard'' Top Jazz LPs chart and No. 37 on the US ''Billboard'' Top Soul Albums chart Guest artis ...

*1977: Pockets: '' Come Go With Us'' – (producer) *1977 Deniece Williams : '' Song Bird'' – (bass) *1978 The Emotions: ''

Sunbeam A sunbeam, in meteorological optics, is a lightbeam, beam of sunlight that appears to radiate from the position of the Sun. Shining through openings in clouds or between other objects such as mountains and buildings, these beams of light scatter ...

'' – (bass) *1978 Valerie Carter: Wild Child - (bass) *1978 Eumir Deodato: Love Island – (bass) *1979 Harvey Mason: Groovin You – (bass) *1979

Stargard Stargard (; 1945: ''Starogród'', 1950–2016: ''Stargard Szczeciński''; or ''Stargard an der Ihna''; ) is a city in northwestern Poland, located in the West Pomeranian Voivodeship. In 2021 it was inhabited by 67,293 people. It is situated on ...

: ''The Changing of the Gard'' – (bass, producer) *1983 Level 42: '' Standing in the Light'' – (producer) *1992 Norman Brown: Just Between Us *1995 Freddie Ravel: Sol to Soul – (bass, associate producer) *1997 Urban Knights: '' Urban Knights II'' – (bass, producer) *2002

Jennifer Lopez Jennifer Lynn Lopez (born July 24, 1969), also known by her nickname J.Lo, is an American singer, songwriter, actress, dancer and businesswoman. Lopez is regarded as one of the most influential entertainers of her time, credited with breaking ...

: '' This Is Me... Then'' – (bass) *2012 Solange: ''

True True most commonly refers to truth, the state of being in congruence with fact or reality. True may also refer to: Places * True, West Virginia, an unincorporated community in the United States * True, Wisconsin, a town in the United States * ...

'' – (bass) *2015

Flo Rida Tramar Lacel Dillard (born September 16, 1979), known professionally as Flo Rida ( ), is an American rapper and singer. His 2007 debut and breakout single "Low (Flo Rida song), Low" was number one for 10 weeks in the United States and broke the ...

: I Don't Like It, I Love It – (bass) *2017

: Reverence – (bass) *2017

Kelly Clarkson Kelly Brianne (born Kelly Brianne Clarkson, April 24, 1982), known professionally as Kelly Clarkson, is an American singer, songwriter, and television personality. Rising to fame after winning the American Idol season 1, first season of ''Ameri ...

Meaning of Life The meaning of life is the concept of an individual's life, or existence in general, having an intrinsic value (ethics), inherent significance or a Meaning (philosophy), philosophical point. There is no consensus on the specifics of such a conce ...

– (bass) *2023 Victoria Monet: Jaguar II – (bass)

Awards

RIAA Awards

Multi-Platinum Albums *1975 - That's The Way Of The World *1975 - Gratitude *1976 - Spirit Platinum Albums *1973 - Head To The Sky *1974 - Open Our Eyes *1981 - Raise! Gold Albums *1980 - Faces *1983 - Powerlight *1987 - Touch The World *1988 - The Best Of Earth, Wind & Fire Vol. II *2003 - The Essential Earth, Wind & Fire Gold Singles *1975 - Shining Star *1975 - Singasong *1976 - Getaway *1978 - September *1978 - Got To Get You Into My Life *1979 - Boogie Wonderland *1979 - After The Love Has Gone *1981 - Let's Groove

Inductions

*1995 - Star on Hollywood's Walk Of Fame *2000 - Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame *2003 - Inducted into Hollywood's RockWalk *2003 - Inducted into The Vocal Group Hall Of Fame *2010 - Songwriters Hall Of Fame *2012 - Beacon of Change award at the Beacon Awards Banquet *2019 - Kennedy Center Honors

Grammy Awards

*2016 - Lifetime Achievement Award *2008 - GRAMMY Hall Of Fame, "Shining Star" *2004 - NARAS Signature Governors Award *1982 - Best R&B Performance By A Duo Or Group With Vocals, "Wanna Be With You" *1979 - Best R&B Vocal Performance By A Duo, Group Or Chorus, "After The Love Has Gone" *1979 - Best R&B Instrumental Performance, "Boogie Wonderland" *1978 - Best R&B Vocal Performance By A Duo, Group Or Chorus, "All 'n All" *1978 - Best R&B Instrumental Performance, "Runnin'" *1975 - Best R&B Vocal Performance By A Duo, Group Or Chorus, "Shining Star"

American Music Awards

*1976 - Favorite Band, Duo Or Group - Soul/Rhythm & Blues *1977 - Favorite Band, Duo Or Group- Soul/Rhythm & Blues *1978 - Favorite Band, Duo Or Group- Soul/Rhythm & Blues *1980 - Favorite Band, Duo Or Group- Soul/Rhythm & Blues

Other awards

*1994 - NAACP Hall Of Fame Image Award *2002 - BET Lifetime Achievement Award *2002 - ASCAP Rhythm & Soul Heritage Award *2002 - TV Land's Entertainer Award *2002 - The Daniel L. Stephenson Humanitarian Award for Lifetime Achievement in Music *2008 - Bass Player Lifetime Achievement Award *2008 - Honorary Doctorates in the arts from Columbia College in Chicago *2016 - Induction into The Soul Music Hall of Fame. *2021 - Mayor John Hamilton proclaimed February 1, 2021, Verdine White and Shelly Clark day in Bloomington, Indiana.

References

External links

Verdine White's official website
(Archive at the Internet Archive Wayback Machine)
Verdine White Interview
at NAMM Oral History Collection (January 20, 2014) {{DEFAULTSORT:White, Verdine 1951 births Living people African-American musicians American funk bass guitarists American male bass guitarists Earth, Wind & Fire members Guitarists from Chicago 20th-century American guitarists 21st-century American guitarists Kennedy Center honorees