September (1978) 9/21/20

I chose today's “Great Song of the '70s” specifically for today. Why? Because it's the 21st of September, and that's the date Earth, Wind and Fire mentions in the song, “September.”

Why the 21st? The late Maurice White, EWF's lead singer who wrote the song with guitarist Al McKay and songwriter Allee Willis claimed it just sounded good lyrically. His wife, Marilyn said it was the due date of their son, Kahbran. I guess we'll never know for sure.

Part of the chorus is made up of nonsense syllables: “bah-de-ya-de-ya-de-ya,” and there's a story behind that.

Allee Willis didn't understand all the “bah-de-ya's” and and begged Maurice to let her write something to fill those spots. Maurice declined. In frustration, Allee asked, “But what does it all mean??

Maurice replied, “Who the **** cares?

Well that settled that. To her dying day (last December), Allee said she learned a valuable lesson: ”Never let the lyric get in the way of the groove!”

And what a groove it was! In 1978, crossing over into 1979, the song went to #1 on Billboard's Soul Chart, and #8 on the Hot 100. It was a Top 20 song in 12 other countries, and was a big hit the discos as well. (It was definitely a floor-filler at She-nannigans in Eau Claire).

In 2007, gospel singer Kirk Franklin covered the song, (with a little help from Maurice White!) and it was a hit all over again: #17 on the Billboard's Rhythm and Blues Chart and #26 on the Gospel Chart!

“September:” A “Great song of 1978, 1979...and 2007!

Earth, Wind & Fire:

Kirk Franklin: