The iconic song “September” by Earth, Wind & Fire has long been celebrated for its infectious rhythm and catchy lyrics. However, new insights into its creation reveal a touching backstory that connects the song to a significant event in the life of the band’s frontman, Maurice White. Questlove, a prominent member of The Roots and a revered music historian, recently shared these revelations during an appearance on *The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon*.
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During the broadcast, Questlove disclosed that the song was inspired by the expected birth date of Maurice White’s son, Kahbran, who is now 47 years old. The date, 21 September, is prominently featured in the song, and Questlove explained that it was originally conceived as a light-hearted addition to the group’s catalogue. “At first, it was just a throwaway song on a greatest hits record,” he stated, emphasising that the joyous anticipation of a new child was a significant motivation behind the tune.
“September,” co-written by Maurice White and Allee Willis, was released in November 1978 and later included in the band’s compilation album, *The Best of Earth, Wind & Fire, Vol. 1*. Although it started as an uncomplicated project, the track swiftly gained acclaim and resonated with audiences, eventually securing a top spot on the R&B charts. Over the years, it has evolved into one of the band’s most cherished hits, earning its place in the Library of Congress’s National Recording Registry in 2018.
In the past, Allee Willis, who was critical in creating the song, had mentioned that the specific date of 21 September held no notable significance. Instead, she believed it was simply a phonetically appealing choice. However, in 2019, she learned the truth during a lunch with Maurice White’s widow, Marilyn. This revelation altered the narrative surrounding the song, as Willis had unwittingly dismissed the importance of a date cherished by many fans celebrating birthdays and anniversaries.
Marilyn shared further details, recalling that in the spring of 1978, their doctor suggested that the couple’s child was likely to arrive on September 21. “I told Maurice, but with his busy schedule, I wasn’t sure if he would remember,” she admitted. Tragically, their son Kahbran was born prematurely on 1 August, leaving Maurice to work on the song while juggling the emotions of impending fatherhood.
Marilyn vividly recalled the first time Maurice played “September” for her in their home studio, describing it as a special moment. “My whole body smiled. It was like a secret message between us and our son,” she said, recalling her disbelief that he had incorporated their child’s due date into such a heartfelt piece of music. The personal significance of the date transformed the song into something much more meaningful than its catchy melody suggested.
Questlove’s documentary titled *Earth, Wind & Fire (To Be Celestial vs. That’s the Weight of the World)* is set to premiere on HBO on 7 June. The film promises to offer an in-depth look at the band’s legacy, featuring never-before-seen footage as well as candid interviews with various members of Earth, Wind & Fire, along with family, friends, and high-profile fans such as Barack Obama, Stevie Wonder, and Lionel Richie.
With its roots steeped in personal joy and familial love, “September” is not just one of the many hits by Earth, Wind & Fire; it is a cherished piece of musical history that conveys universal themes of love, hope, and celebration. The revelation of its origin story serves as a beautiful reminder that great music often transcends mere entertainment, weaving the fabric of personal experiences into the melodies that resonate across generations.
As anticipation builds for Questlove’s documentary, fans and newcomers alike will have the opportunity to re-evaluate the classic hit with an understanding of the rich emotions that underlie its creation. It is a testament to how music can bring forth memories, connect us to our past, and celebrate moments that shape our lives.