Maurice White, a co-founding member of Earth, Wind & Fire, has passed away at the age of 74.

White died in Los Angeles after a long battle with Parkinson's. He was diagnosed in 1992 and his condition deteriorated in recent months.

The disease had progressed to the point where he was forced to stop touring with the band in 1994.

His brother, group bassist Verdine White, confirmed the sad news on Twitter and Facebook, posting a striking picture of his brother in front of the pyramids at Giza in Egypt.

"My brother, hero and best friend Maurice White passed away peacefully last night in his sleep," Verdine White said on 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."