Sheldon Reynolds, the guitarist and singer best known for his work with Sun, The Commodores and Earth Wind & Fire has died aged 63.
His death was announced by Philip Bailey, his former bandmate in Earth, Wind & Fire, on Tuesday (Wednesday local time).
“This news of Sheldon Reynolds transition is very sad for all of us who knew and worked with him. Sheldon vocally had Reese down,” Bailey wrote on Twitter, wrote, speaking of founder and vocalist Maurice White.
READ MORE: Tina Turner’s enduring relationship with Australia
“Sheldon was an excellent addition to the band, a great writer and producer, and a kind, loving person. He will be missed. Our condolences to his family.”
The guitarist’s cause of death has not yet been revealed.
Born in Cincinnati, Ohio in the United states in 1959, Reynolds became known as a guitar prodigy at age 12, after only having picked up the instrument aged eight.
READ MORE: Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban break into Rich List
https://twitter.com/PhilipBaileyEWF/status/1661227591188226048?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw
He formally began a music career after graduating from the University of Cincinnati, first touring with RnB singer Millie Jackson and funk and soul band Sun before becoming a guitarist for The Commodores following singer Lionel Richie and lead guitarist Thomas McClary’s departure in 1982.
He stayed with the band for four years before joining Earth Wind & Fire, where he played on their LPs such as Touch The World (1987), The Best of Earth, Wind & Fire, Vol. 2 (1988), Heritage (1990), Millennium (1993) and In The Name of Love (1997).
His work with Earth Wind & Fire earned him a Grammy nomination in 1994 for Best R&B Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals for the song Sunday Morning.
READ MORE: ‘I gave birth in 15 minutes after discovering I was pregnant’
Reynolds was also added to the NAACP Image Award Hall of Fame as a member of the band.
At one point, he was also married to Janie Hendrix, the adopted sister of guitarist and singer Jimi Hendrix.
Tributes have flowed in from fans and people who knew him alike.
Brian Mayes, his publicist, wrote on Twitter, “We’ve lost @SheldonReynolds of @EarthWindFire. He was a legend and an incredible friend. He flew to Nashville to entertain our guests at our wedding and I’ll never forget that incredible act of generosity. I was proud to know him, represent him, and I’ll miss him terribly.”
READ MORE: ’Wonderful human being’: Jimmy Barnes’ tribute to Tina Turner
“Sheldon Reynolds went to Mt. Healthy high school in Mt. Healthy, Ohio. He was friends with both my brothers. Hard loss for our little town. Fly High Sheldon,” wrote one local fan.
“Shoutout to Sheldon Reynolds, Live by Request was probably the best Live Video concert I ever watched on DVD. His solo in That’s the Way of the World was so crisps that it made me think of George Benson,” one fan appreciated the late legend.
“You’re a shining star No matter who you are Shining bright to see What you could truly be,” one quoted Earth, Wind & Fire lyrics to remember the late guitarist.
“So much sadness in the world of pop music today – just hears Earth, Wind, & Fire legend Sheldon Reynolds has also died,” one wrote, referring to the news of Tina Turner’s death this morning.
For a daily dose of 9Honey, subscribe to our newsletter here.