2016 is turning out to be a year of tragedies as we say goodbye to yet another legend of the entertainment industry; Maurice White, the founder of Earth, Wind & Fire, has passed away at the age of 74 following a near 30-year struggle with Parkinson's disease.

Earth, Wind & Fire[L-R] Verdine White, Philip Bailey and Maurice White of Earth, Wind & Fire

White informed the public of his illness in 2000, the same year the band was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, though he had been struggling with symptoms for at least ten years before that and even retired from touring due to exhaustion and complications with his health. Now though, he has succumbed, passing away peacefully in his sleep at his Los Angeles home on Wednesday night (February 3rd 2016).

'My brother, hero and best friend Maurice White passed away peacefully last night in his sleep', his younger brother and co-bandmember Verdine White announced to the Associated Press yesterday. '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.'

More: Watch the video for 'September' by Earth, Wind & Fire

With his nine-piece band Earth, Wind & Fire, White managed to scoop six Grammys and sell over 90 million albums globally since going multi-platinum with their 1975 fifth album 'That's The Way of The World'.

It is thought that White was diagnosed with Parkinson's in the late 80s; a neurological disorder which causes motor problems as well as psychological difficulties. His death marks the latest in a string of deaths from famous people over the last couple of months including Motorhead's Lemmy, David Bowie, 'Harry Potter' actor Alan Rickman and British TV presenter Sir Terry Wogan - all of whom died from cancer.

Tributes from celebrities have continued to pour in on Twitter:

'Back in the day we payed homage to your genius before we were CHIC!' - Nile Rodgers

'Great music, energy, great spirit. The Lord must need a band up there.' - Bette Midler

'Rest well master Maurice White. Your work was well done and you earned and deserve eternal peace.' - Cee Lo Green

'Thank you Maurice White for creating some of the greatest soul funk and R&B music of all time. GRATITUDE.' - Mark Ronson

'Maurice White. King. Genius. Leader. Teacher. Producer. Arranger. Writer. Multi-instrumentalist.' - Lenny Kravitz

'Thoughts and prayers with the family of our dear brother Maurice White. Your contributions to music will be kept in our hearts and souls forever.' - Quincy Jones

'Maurice White. I listened to you every single day at my mother's hair salon, and I didn't understand what you made me feel, but you were a hero.' - Solange Knowles

'Rest in Peace Mr. Maurice White. Earth, Wind & Fire is one of the greatest groups ever assembled. Thanks for the memories and the inspiration.' - Sir Mix-A-Lot

'RIP Maurice White. Thank you for the amazing grooves and vocals.' - Bryan Adams