Earth, Wind & Fire's Andrew Woolfolk Gone At 71

Saxophonist Andrew Woolfolk Gone At 71 (Photo: Ralf Liebhold/Shuuterstock.com)

Several sources are reporting that EARTH, WIND & FIRE's saxophonist ANDREW WOOLFOLK has died at the age of 71. His family confirmed he passed away MONDAY, APRIL 25th following a six-year illness. An official cause of death has not been disclosed. Bandmate Philip Bailey made the announcement on INSTAGRAM.

BAILEY's post said, “I met him in high school, and we quickly became friends and band mates. We lost him today, after being ill of over six years. He has transitioned on to the forever, from this land of the dying to the land of the living. Great memories. Great Talent. Funny. Competitive. Quick witted. And always styling. Booski… I’ll see you on the other side, my friend.”

WOOLFOLK, born in TEXAS in 1950, joined EARTH, WIND & FIRE in 1972, three years after the group first formed. The band soon shot to international fame, winning six GRAMMYS and selling tens of millions of records during the 1970s and early 1980s.

According to THE NEW YORK POST, WOOLFOLK left the band in 1985 before returning again two years later. He stayed on until 1993. In 2000, the saxophonist was inducted into the ROCK & ROLL HALL OF FAME along with eight other EARTH, WIND & FIRE members. In addition to his work with the iconic group, the star also collaborated with PHIL COLLINS and DENIECE WILLIAMS. Read the full story here. 

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