Earth, Wind And Fire saxophonist Andrew Woolfolk dies at 71 after six year illness

Earth, Wind And Fire saxophonist Andrew Woolfolk dies at 71: Musician who worked on the hit songs September and Boogie Wonderland had six-year illness

Earth, Wind And Fire saxophonist Andrew Woolfolk has passed away at the age of 71.

The artist died on Sunday after he spent the past six years battling an illness the band’s lead (falsetto) singer, Philip Bailey told TMZ on Tuesday,

The musician was one of the original members of the band and helped them create some of the biggest hit songs of the 1970s, including September, Boogie Wonderland and Shining Star.

Sad loss: Earth, Wind And Fire saxophonist Andrew Woolfolk has passed away at the age of 71. Seen in the 1970s

Bailey shared: ‘I met him in High School, and we quickly became friends and band mates. Andrew Paul Woolfolk was his name. We lost him today.’

He then said: ‘Funny. Competitive. Quick witted. And always styling. Booski… I’ll see you on the other side, my friend.’

Woolfolk also worked on the hit songs Reasons, Let’s Groove, That’s the Way of the World, Sing a Song, Fantasy, and After the Love Has Gone.

He also worked with the artists Deniece Williams, Phil Collins and Stanley Turrentine.

In the Eighties he took a break from Earth, Wind & Fire but then joined up with them again to perform and tour after the millennium.

The band was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2000.

Read more at DailyMail.co.uk