Andrew Woolfolk dead at 71 - Earth, Wind & Fire saxophonist passes away after health battle, frontma

Publish date: 2022-09-29

EARTH, Wind & Fire saxophonist Andrew Woolfolk has passed away at 71, following a six-year health battle, his bandmate announced.

The band's frontman Philip Bailey confirmed Woolfolk's passing on his Instagram page late Monday.

"I met him in High School, and we quickly became friends and band mates. Andrew Paul Woolfolk was his name. We lost him today, after being ill of over 6 years," Bailey captioned a picture of him and Woolfolk.

"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 served as one of the longtime members of Earth, Wind & Fire from 1973 to 1983 and took a two-year break when the band went on hiatus in '83.

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He rejoined the gang in '87, playing alongside them for six more years before stepping away in 1993.

His first album with the group, Head to the Sky, was released in 1973 and went platinum.

Woolfolk then performed on several other Earth, Wind & Fire records, including '75’s smash single That’s the Way of the World.

During the band's pause, Woolfolk continued his career, playing with other artists such as Deniece Williams, Stanley Turrentine, Phil Collins, Twennynine, Philip Bailey and Level 42.

He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a member of Earth, Wind & Fire in 2000.

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