Verdine White

Verdine Adams White, born on July 25, 1951, is an American musician known for his role as a founding member and bassist of the band Earth, Wind & Fire. Rolling Stone named him the 19th greatest bassist of all time. Born in Chicago, Illinois, Verdine grew up in a musical household, with his father being a doctor and saxophone player. Influenced by jazz musicians like Miles Davis and John Coltrane, as well as artists like Cleveland Eaton and The Beatles, he developed a passion for playing bass. He took private lessons from Radi Velah of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra and learned the electric bass from a Chess Records session bassist and trombonist.