Sad day for music: The saxophonist of the cult band Earth, Wind and Fire, Andrew Woolfolk is dead. The news fell from one of his partners in the famous disco group, on Instagram. Andrew passed away this Monday, April 25 at the age of 71.
It is with a heavy heart that his lifelong sidekick and friend Philip James Bailey announced the death of the famous saxophonist, paying him at the same time a vibrant tribute. “I met him in high school and we quickly became stage friends. Andrew Paul Woolfolk was his name. We lost him today, after six years of being sick. I have fond memories of him. A certain talent. He was funny, competitive with a good spirit. And always stylish. I’ll see you in the afterlife, my friend” he said. The guitarist had also added a snapshot of the two men displaying a beaming smile. Impeccable, Andrew Woolfolk appears with his earrings, a gray jacket and a blue tie.
Formed in 1969 in Chicago, the group Earth, Wind and Fire had its moment of glory during the 1970s. The collective of African-American musicians and singers, with varied musical identities (gospel, blues, jazz, disco), will manage to reach a wide audience and become legendary with a handful of cult titles. First of all fantasy (1977) then the unforgettable september (1978) or even boogie wonderland (1979) and Let’s Groove (1981) will mark the best years of the boy band, who will win a total of 7 Grammy Awards. A popularity that will fade only slightly over the decades. The proof is the film Untouchables with Omar Sy and his legendary wiggle against François Cluzet on the group’s hits. The film is a hit and the music brought up to date. Recognizing the group had invited the French actor to participate in his album!