Earth, Wind & Fire's Maurice White dies aged 74 after battle with Parkinson's

Maurice White, founder and co-vocalist of Earth, Wind & Fire has died aged 74.

TMZ confirmed the musician died in his sleep in Los Angeles on Thursday morning after a long battle with Parkinson's disease. 

The band is known for hits such as Shining Star, September, Boogie Wonderland and After the Love has Gone.

Sad news: Maurice White, co-vocalist in Earth, Wind & Fire passed away aged 74 on Thursday after a long battle with Parkinson's disease

Maurice was diagnosed with the condition in 1992 but his health at deteriorated in recent months.

The Parkinson's progressed to such a point that he was unable to tour with the band in 1994.  

Maurice was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2010.

Earth, Wind & Fire formed in 1969 and covered genres including R&B, funk, soul and disco