Earth, Wind & Fire’s hit song “September” is famous worldwide for its catchy melody and joyful vibe, but few know the heartfelt story behind its creation. The song, which mentions the memorable date “the 21st night of September,” was inspired by a deeply personal moment in the life of the band’s founder, Maurice White. Questlove, the well-known musician and documentarian, recently shared new details about this beloved tune during an appearance on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon.
Questlove revealed that the date referenced in “September” was originally tied to the expected birth date of Maurice White’s son, Kahbran. Although Kahbran was born prematurely on August 1, 1978, Maurice kept the lyric focused on September 21 as a tribute to this special occasion. Initially considered a “throwaway” track for their greatest hits album, “September” eventually grew into one of Earth, Wind & Fire’s most celebrated songs and has left a lasting impact on music fans around the globe.
The song was co-written by Maurice White and Allee Willis and released in November 1978 as part of The Best of Earth, Wind & Fire, Vol. 1. It quickly climbed the R&B charts and became a staple at celebrations everywhere due to its upbeat rhythm and infectious chorus. In recognition of its cultural significance, “September” was added to the Library of Congress’s National Recording Registry in 2018.
Allee Willis had long maintained that the choice of the date September 21 had no particular meaning beyond how it sounded musically. However, she later admitted that she was unaware of the true inspiration until after Maurice White’s death in 2016. In a 2019 interview with The Wall Street Journal, Willis explained that she learned the real story during a lunch with Maurice’s widow Marilyn White. Marilyn shared how she had been told by her doctor earlier in 1978 that their child would likely be born on September 21—a detail Maurice used as a secret message through the song.
Marilyn recalled how Maurice surprised her by playing “September” for her at their home studio. The song’s joyful tone reflected their happiness about becoming parents. Despite Kahbran arriving earlier than expected, the song preserved the original birth date as a meaningful symbol between Maurice and his family. This personal connection adds a new layer of depth to what many listeners have enjoyed simply as a feel-good anthem.
Questlove’s upcoming documentary about Earth, Wind & Fire will explore more untold stories from the band’s history. Scheduled to premiere on HBO on June 7, the film features rare footage and interviews with band members as well as notable fans like Barack Obama and Stevie Wonder. It promises to offer fresh insight into how songs like “September” were created and why they continue to resonate decades later.
For fans searching for songs about September or those interested in music history, understanding the background of “September” enriches its significance far beyond its infectious beat. What began as an overlooked track became a timeless celebration of joy and family—an enduring legacy that continues to bring people together every year.
