Monte Keith White was a “member” of the legendary group Earth, Wind & Fire (EWF) who was rarely seen. As the group’s tour manager from 1971-1980, White was the machine that kept the group on track and running smoothly.
The brother of the group’s founder and frontman Maurice White and bassist Verdine White, Monte was fondly called “The Rock” because he had nerves of steel.
Known for being fashion-forward and having a style all his own, Monte, whose personality and smile was infectious, had a tremendous dedication and loyalty to the band. Loved by everyone he came in contact with, Monte was Verdine’s stage double and a well-spoken man who knew his way around the business of entertainment.
Monte Keith White was born on October 16, 1953, in Chicago, IL. In high school, he played upright bass in the orchestra but his real talent was drawing, sketching and painting. His scenic and still paintings were affirmations of his talent, earning him a scholarship to the Art Institute of Chicago.
When Maurice asked him to join the EWF organization and learn the business, he gave up painting and moved to California. Monte was one of the first Black road managers of a major group of color and Maurice’s right-hand man. Always in perpetual motion, if he wasn’t handling the band’s day-to-day operations and schedules, he was on the phone making the next event happen.
Monte was an extraordinary man who knew how to bring together an entire organization and make each individual feel important. After leaving EWF in 1980, he moved to New York and worked as a road manager for Roberta Flack and several other musical groups.
Monte Keith White died April 21, 2020, at the age of 66. Legends are defined by their work and how it impacts the culture. We remember Monte Keith White so others don’t forget.
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