Earth, Wind & Fire saxophonist Andrew Woolfolk dead at 71

"September," Earth, Wind & Fire's effervescent ode to the last night of summer, is an enduring jam for all seasons.

Part of its alchemy lies in Andrew Woolfolk's jubilant saxophone. Woolfolk, a longtime Earth, Wind & Fire member whose sweet signature instrument made songs like "September" impossible not to dance to, has died, group member Philip Bailey announced. Woolfolk was 71. 

Bailey, co-lead singer of the genre-spanning band, said on Instagram that Woolfolk died after a six-year illness. "I met him in High School, and we quickly became friends and band mates," Bailey wrote. 

"Great memories. Great talent. Funny. Competitive. Quick witted. And always styling." 

Woolfolk joined the band in the early 1970s, according to the band's official roster. The EW&F lineup changed often throughout the years, but Woolfolk officially played the sax (as well as flute and percussion) with the group on and off until 1993. With Earth, Wind & Fire, Woolfolk’s soprano saxophone became a signature sound, most recognizably on “September,” one of the band’s biggest hits. The legendary group lost its founder and leader back in 2016 with the death of Maurice White. 

Really sad, I still saw him LIVE at the Expo 2020 Dubai when he performed with the group in January this year. 

May his soul rest in perfect peace AMEN.