Who doesn’t remember the 21st of September? Earth, Wind & Fire became notable for multiple hits, but none quite like the catchy tune “September.” Grammy-winning drummer and producer Ahmir “Questlove” Thompson reveals that the signature track was a “throwaway” with a heartwarming meaning.
In an appearance on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, Questlove spoke about his upcoming documentary cataloging the rise of the legendary band. A big part of their story is their signature hits that have become music staples, like “September.” The track was released in mid-November 1978 as a single after appearing on the band’s The Best of Earth, Wind & Fire, Vol. 1 album. “September” wasn’t meant to be a major hit and was added as any other track for an album.
“Sometimes the people have to decide what the signature song is. Earth, Wind & Fire had so many iconic songs. ‘September’ was just a throwaway song on a greatest hits record,” said Questlove.
“September” became one of the biggest commercial and critical successes of Earth, Wind & Fire’s career. It landed at No.8 on the Billboard Hot 100 charts, No. 41 on the Adult Contemporary chart, No.1 on the Hot Soul Singles chart, and No. 6 on Cash Box. It was also a success across multiple countries.
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For years, Maurice White claimed the song and its title had no real significance. According to NPR, he said, “I constantly have people coming up to me and they get so excited to know what the significance was. And there is no significance beyond it just sang better than any of the other dates. So … sorry!”
Questlove revealed the true reasoning behind the track. “September” was an ode to White’s son and his supposed due date.
“Maurice’s son was supposed to be born on Sept. 21, so technically, it was about the joy of him finding out that his son was going to be born. But he was born prematurely. But they still kept it the 21st day of September,” said Questlove.
In 2019, White revealed the truth to The Wall Street Journal about the track. He remembers his wife, Marilyn White, hearing the song for the first time and her “whole body smiled. It was like a secret message between us and our son.”