On this day in music history: January 13, 1979 - “September” by Earth, Wind & Fire hits #1 on the Billboard R&B singles chart for 1 week, also peaking at #8 on the Hot 100 on February 10, 1979. Written by Al McKay, Maurice White and Allee Willis, it is the sixth chart topping for the R&B/Funk band led by drummer and vocalist Maurice White. “September” is one of two new songs recorded for EW&F’s first greatest hits album “The Best Of Earth, Wind & Fire Volume 1”. White and guitarist Al McKay collaborate with songwriter Allee Willis, who is recommended to them by one of the employees in EW&F’s business office. “September” is also Earth, Wind & Fire’s first single released under White’s newly established ARC (American Recording Corporation) imprint through Columbia Records. Released in November of 1978, the single quickly becomes a smash. It becomes one of band’s best known and loved songs, with Earth Wind & Fire’s original version being featured in films such as “Soul Food”, “A Night At The Museum”, and “Dan In Real Life”. A re-recorded version of “September” featuring Earth, Wind & Fire with Justin Timberlake and Anna Kendrick is recorded for the animated film “Trolls” in 2016. Following the success of “September”, Allee Willis goes on to establish herself as a prominent force in the music industry, co-writing three more chart hits for Earth, Wind & Fire including “Boogie Wonderland”, “In The Stone” and “Sunday Morning”. Over the years, she also co-writes numerous other hit songs including Narada Michael Walden’s “I Shoulda Loved Ya”, Maxine Nightingale’s “Lead Me On”, The Pointer Sisters’ “Neutron Dance”, “I’ll Be There For You (Theme From Friends)” for The Rembrandts, “What Have I Done To Deserve This” with The Pet Shop Boys and the Tony Award winning musical adaptation of the film “The Color Purple” on Broadway. “September” is certified Gold in the US by the RIAA.
