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"'''September'''" is a song by the American band [[Earth, Wind & Fire]] released as a single in 1978 on [[ARC Records|ARC]]/[[Columbia Records]].<ref name=Song>{{cite book|title=Earth, Wind & Fire: September|date=1978|publisher=ARC/Columbia Records}}</ref> Initially included as a track for ''[[The Best of Earth, Wind & Fire, Vol.&nbsp;1]]'',<ref name="ad">{{Cite journal |journal=[[Jet (magazine)|Jet]] |page=15 |date=1978-12-07 |volume=55 |issue=12 |issn=0021-5996 |title=The album that puts {{underline|all}} the elements together}}</ref> "September" was very successful commercially and reached No.{{nbsp}}1 on the US [[Billboard (magazine)|''Billboard'']] [[Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs|Hot R&B Songs]] chart, No.{{nbsp}}8 on the US [[Billboard Hot 100|''Billboard'' Hot 100]],<ref>{{cite book |title= Top R&B/Hip-Hop Singles: 1942–2004|last=Whitburn |first=Joel |author-link=Joel Whitburn |year=2004 |publisher=Record Research |page=179}}</ref> and No.{{nbsp}}3 on the [[UK Singles Chart]].<ref name="Dean">{{cite book |title= Rock N' Roll Gold Rush |last= Dean |first= Maury |author-link= Maury Dean |year= 2003 |publisher= Algora |isbn= 0-87586-207-1 |page= 289 }}</ref> The song remains a staple of the band's body of work and has been [[Sampling (music)|sampled]], covered, remixed, and re-recorded numerous times.
"'''September'''" is a song by the American band [[Earth, Wind & Fire]] released as a single in 1978 on [[ARC Records|ARC]]/[[Columbia Records]].<ref name=Song>{{cite book|title=Earth, Wind & Fire: September|date=1978|publisher=ARC/Columbia Records}}</ref> Initially included as a track for ''[[The Best of Earth, Wind & Fire, Vol.&nbsp;1]]'',<ref name="ad">{{Cite journal |journal=[[Jet (magazine)|Jet]] |page=15 |date=1978-12-07 |volume=55 |issue=12 |issn=0021-5996 |title=The album that puts {{underline|all}} the elements together}}</ref> "September" was very successful commercially and reached No.{{nbsp}}1 on the US [[Billboard (magazine)|''Billboard'']] [[Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs|Hot R&B Songs]] chart, No.{{nbsp}}8 on the US [[Billboard Hot 100|''Billboard'' Hot 100]],<ref>{{cite book |title= Top R&B/Hip-Hop Singles: 1942–2004|last=Whitburn |first=Joel |author-link=Joel Whitburn |year=2004 |publisher=Record Research |page=179}}</ref> and No.{{nbsp}}3 on the [[UK Singles Chart]].<ref name="Dean">{{cite book |title= Rock N' Roll Gold Rush |last= Dean |first= Maury |author-link= Maury Dean |year= 2003 |publisher= Algora |isbn= 0-87586-207-1 |page= 289 }}</ref> The song remains a staple of the band's body of work and has been [[Sampling (music)|sampled]], covered, remixed, and re-recorded numerous times.


It was added to the [[Library of Congress]]' [[National Recording Registry]] list of sound recordings that "are culturally, historically, or aesthetically important" in 2018.<ref>{{Cite web|url= https://www.loc.gov/programs/national-recording-preservation-board/recording-registry/complete-national-recording-registry-listing/ |title=National Recording Registry|work=Library of Congress|access-date=February 10, 2021}}</ref>
It was added to the [[Library of Congress]]'s [[National Recording Registry]] list of sound recordings that "are culturally, historically, or aesthetically important" in 2018.<ref>{{Cite web|url= https://www.loc.gov/programs/national-recording-preservation-board/recording-registry/complete-national-recording-registry-listing/ |title=National Recording Registry|work=Library of Congress|access-date=February 10, 2021}}</ref>


==Composition==
==Composition==
"September" is in the [[Key (music)|key]] of [[A major]] with a [[tempo]] of 126{{nbsp}}beats per minute in [[Time signature|common time]]. The vocals span from [[scientific pitch notation|A{{sub2}}]] to E{{sub|5}}.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.musicnotes.com/sheetmusic/mtd.asp?ppn=MN0015575|title=Earth Wind & Fire "September" Sheet Music in F# Minor (transposable)&nbsp;– Download & Print|last=White|first=Maurice|website=Musicnotes.com|date=June 21, 1999|access-date=June 10, 2017}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.spotontrack.com/track/september/1560993|title=September&nbsp;– Earth, Wind & Fire&nbsp;– Spot On Track|website=www.spotontrack.com|access-date=June 10, 2017}}</ref> The song has a funk [[Groove (music)|groove]] based on a four-measure pattern that is consistent between verses and choruses, built on a [[circle of fifths]].<ref name="groove">{{Cite book |pages=273–274 |chapter=Groove as Niche |title=This Is Pop: In Search of the Elusive at Experience Music Project |year=2004 |isbn=9780674013216 |publisher=Harvard University Press |editor=Eric Weisbard |last=Walser |first=Robert |url=https://www.hup.harvard.edu/catalog.php?isbn=9780674013445}}</ref>
"September" has a funk [[Groove (music)|groove]] based on a four-measure pattern that is consistent between verses and choruses, built on a [[circle of fifths]].<ref name="groove">{{Cite book |pages=273–274 |chapter=Groove as Niche |title=This Is Pop: In Search of the Elusive at Experience Music Project |year=2004 |isbn=9780674013216 |publisher=Harvard University Press |editor=Eric Weisbard |last=Walser |first=Robert |url=https://www.hup.harvard.edu/catalog.php?isbn=9780674013445}}</ref>


Using a chord progression written by Earth, Wind & Fire guitarist [[Al McKay]], vocalist [[Maurice White]] and songwriter [[Allee Willis]] wrote the song over one month. Willis was initially bothered by the gibberish "ba-dee-ya" lyric White used through the song, and begged him to rewrite it: "I just said, 'What the fuck does 'ba-dee-ya' mean?' And he essentially said, 'Who the fuck cares?' I learned my greatest lesson ever in songwriting from him, which was never let the lyric get in the way of the groove."<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.npr.org/2014/09/19/349621429/the-song-that-never-ends-why-earth-wind-fires-september-sustains|title=The Song That Never Ends: Why 'September' Sustains|work=NPR.org|access-date=April 15, 2018|language=en-us}}</ref> The song was included on the band's first compilation—''[[The Best of Earth, Wind & Fire, Vol. 1]]''—solely to boost sales with original content.<ref name="wsj">{{Cite web |title=Do You Remember? The Message in Earth, Wind & Fire's 'September' |url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/do-you-remember-the-message-in-earth-wind-fires-september-11567520286 |last=Myers |first=Marc |date=September 3, 2019 |access-date=September 20, 2019 |work=[[Wall Street Journal]]}}</ref>
Using a chord progression written by Earth, Wind & Fire guitarist [[Al McKay]], vocalist [[Maurice White]] and songwriter [[Allee Willis]] wrote the song over one month. Willis was initially bothered by the gibberish "ba-dee-ya" lyric White used through the song, and begged him to rewrite it: "I just said, 'What the fuck does 'ba-dee-ya' mean?' And he essentially said, 'Who the fuck cares?' I learned my greatest lesson ever in songwriting from him, which was never let the lyric get in the way of the groove."<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.npr.org/2014/09/19/349621429/the-song-that-never-ends-why-earth-wind-fires-september-sustains|title=The Song That Never Ends: Why 'September' Sustains|work=NPR.org|access-date=April 15, 2018|language=en-us}}</ref> The song was included on the band's first compilation—''[[The Best of Earth, Wind & Fire, Vol. 1]]''—solely to boost sales with original content.<ref name="wsj">{{Cite web |title=Do You Remember? The Message in Earth, Wind & Fire's 'September' |url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/do-you-remember-the-message-in-earth-wind-fires-september-11567520286 |last=Myers |first=Marc |date=September 3, 2019 |access-date=September 20, 2019 |work=[[Wall Street Journal]]|url-access=subscription}}</ref>


Although several theories about the significance of the date have been suggested, the songwriter Maurice White claimed he simply chose the 21st due to how it sounded when sung.<ref name="npr">{{Cite web |url=https://www.npr.org/2014/09/19/349621429/the-song-that-never-ends-why-earth-wind-fires-september-sustains |title=The Song That Never Ends: Why Earth, Wind & Fire's 'September' Sustains |last=Charnas |first=Dan |work=[[Morning Edition]] |date=September 19, 2014}}</ref> His wife, Marilyn White, however, claimed that September{{nbsp}}21 was the due date of their son, Kahbran, according to lyricist Allee Willis.<ref name="WSJ">{{Cite web|url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/do-you-remember-the-message-in-earth-wind-fires-september-11567520286 |title=Do You Remember? The Message in Earth, Wind & Fire's 'September'|last=Myers |first=Marc |work= [[Wall Street Journal]] |date= September 3, 2019}}</ref>
Although several theories about the significance of the date have been suggested, the songwriter Maurice White claimed he simply chose the 21st due to how it sounded when sung.<ref name="npr">{{Cite web |url=https://www.npr.org/2014/09/19/349621429/the-song-that-never-ends-why-earth-wind-fires-september-sustains |title=The Song That Never Ends: Why Earth, Wind & Fire's 'September' Sustains |last=Charnas |first=Dan |work=[[Morning Edition]] |date=September 19, 2014}}</ref> His wife, Marilyn White, however, claimed that September{{nbsp}}21 was the due date of their son, Kahbran, according to lyricist Allee Willis.<ref name="WSJ">{{Cite web|url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/do-you-remember-the-message-in-earth-wind-fires-september-11567520286 |title=Do You Remember? The Message in Earth, Wind & Fire's 'September'|last=Myers |first=Marc |work= [[Wall Street Journal]] |date= September 3, 2019|url-access=subscription}}</ref>


==Personnel==
==Personnel==
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'''Technical personnel'''
'''Technical personnel'''
*[[Charles Stepney]] – [[Musical arrangement|arrangement]], production
*[[Charles Stepney]] – [[arrangement]], production


==Reception==
==Reception==
"September" has been one of the biggest commercial and critical successes of Earth, Wind & Fire's career, and vocalist Philip Bailey considers it one of the group's best songs.<ref name="shining">{{Cite book |title=Shining Star: Braving the Elements of Earth, Wind & Fire |last1=Bailey |first1=Philip |last2=Zimmerman |first2=Keith |last3=Zimmerman |first3=Kent |publisher=Penguin Publishing Group |date=2014-04-15 |page=183 |isbn=9781101607930}}</ref> The song was certified silver by the [[British Phonographic Industry]] and certified gold in the US (until the [[Recording Industry Association of America|RIAA]] lowered the sales levels for certified singles in 1989, a Gold single equaled 1{{nbsp}}million units sold.) "September" was later certified Gold for [[RIAA certification|digital sales]] by the RIAA,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.riaa.com/goldandplatinumdata.php?table%3DSEARCH_RESULTS%26artist%3DEarth+Wind%26format%3DSINGLE%26go%3DSearch%26perPage%3D50 |title=RIAA – Gold & Platinum Searchable Database – May 10, 2014 |website=[[Recording Industry Association of America]] |access-date=March 29, 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140510144821/http://www.riaa.com/goldandplatinumdata.php?table=SEARCH_RESULTS |archive-date=May 10, 2014 }}</ref><ref name="Spider">{{cite web|url=http://spider.georgetowncollege.edu/music/burnette/Mus570d/terms.htm|title=Rock Music, etc., Terms|publisher=spider.georgetowncollege.edu|access-date=March 23, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110518145136/http://spider.georgetowncollege.edu/music/burnette/Mus570d/terms.htm|archive-date=May 18, 2011|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bpi.co.uk/certifiedawards/search.aspx |title=Archived copy |access-date=October 19, 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110604040853/http://www.bpi.co.uk/certifiedawards/search.aspx |archive-date=June 4, 2011 }}</ref> and has sold over 2{{nbsp}}million digital copies in the US as of September 2017.<ref name="us sales">{{cite news|url=http://www.defjampromo.com/files/2009/10/BB-Digital-Songs-Chart-Wk.-Ending-9-28-17.pdf|title=Nielsen SoundScan charts&nbsp;– Digital Songs&nbsp;– Week Ending: 09/28/2017|publisher=[[Nielsen SoundScan]]|access-date=October 3, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171002192602/http://www.defjampromo.com/files/2009/10/BB-Digital-Songs-Chart-Wk.-Ending-9-28-17.pdf|archive-date=October 2, 2017}}</ref> ''[[Record World]]'' called it a "smooth, quick song that captures the mood of autumn nostalgia, and should capture radio audiences too. "<ref name=rw>{{cite magazine|magazine=Record World|date=November 18, 1978|accessdate=2023-02-13|title=Hits of the Week|page=1|url=https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-All-Music/Record-World/70s/78/RW-1978-11-18.pdf}}</ref> In 2021, ''[[Rolling Stone]]'' included "September" at No.{{nbsp}}65 on their updated list of the "[[Rolling Stone's 500 Greatest Songs of All Time|500 Greatest Songs of All Time]]."<ref name="500GSOAT">{{cite magazine |title=Rolling Stone's 500 Greatest Songs of All Time |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-lists/best-songs-of-all-time-1224767/earth-wind-and-fire-september-1225273/ |magazine=Rolling Stone |access-date=January 29, 2022 |date=September 15, 2021}}</ref>
"September" has been one of the biggest commercial and critical successes of Earth, Wind & Fire's career, and vocalist Philip Bailey considers it one of the group's best songs.<ref name="shining">{{Cite book |title=Shining Star: Braving the Elements of Earth, Wind & Fire |last1=Bailey |first1=Philip |last2=Zimmerman |first2=Keith |last3=Zimmerman |first3=Kent |publisher=Penguin Publishing Group |date=2014-04-15 |page=183 |isbn=9781101607930}}</ref> The song was certified silver by the [[British Phonographic Industry]] and certified gold in the US (until the [[Recording Industry Association of America|RIAA]] lowered the sales levels for certified singles in 1989, a Gold single equaled 1{{nbsp}}million units sold.) "September" was later certified Gold for [[RIAA certification|digital sales]] by the RIAA,<ref name="PhysicalRIAA"/><ref name="uk2"/><ref name="Spider">{{cite web|url=http://spider.georgetowncollege.edu/music/burnette/Mus570d/terms.htm|title=Rock Music, etc., Terms|publisher=spider.georgetowncollege.edu|access-date=March 23, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110518145136/http://spider.georgetowncollege.edu/music/burnette/Mus570d/terms.htm|archive-date=May 18, 2011|url-status=dead}}</ref> and has sold over 2{{nbsp}}million digital copies in the US as of September 2017.<ref name="us sales">{{cite news|url=http://www.defjampromo.com/files/2009/10/BB-Digital-Songs-Chart-Wk.-Ending-9-28-17.pdf|title=Nielsen SoundScan charts&nbsp;– Digital Songs&nbsp;– Week Ending: 09/28/2017|publisher=[[Nielsen SoundScan]]|access-date=October 3, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171002192602/http://www.defjampromo.com/files/2009/10/BB-Digital-Songs-Chart-Wk.-Ending-9-28-17.pdf|archive-date=October 2, 2017}}</ref> ''[[Record World]]'' called it a "smooth, quick song that captures the mood of autumn nostalgia, and should capture radio audiences too."<ref name=rw>{{cite magazine|magazine=Record World|date=November 18, 1978|accessdate=2023-02-13|title=Hits of the Week|page=1|url=https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-All-Music/Record-World/70s/78/RW-1978-11-18.pdf}}</ref> In 2021, ''[[Rolling Stone]]'' included "September" at No.{{nbsp}}65 on their updated list of the "[[Rolling Stone's 500 Greatest Songs of All Time|500 Greatest Songs of All Time]]."<ref name="500GSOAT">{{cite magazine |title=Rolling Stone's 500 Greatest Songs of All Time |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-lists/best-songs-of-all-time-1224767/earth-wind-and-fire-september-1225273/ |magazine=Rolling Stone |access-date=January 29, 2022 |date=September 15, 2021}}</ref>


"September" is one of the group's biggest hits in several decades of performing. A 2005 retrospective on Earth, Wind & Fire by ''[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]'' ranked this song sixth on their top singles.<ref name="2005bb">{{Cite magazine |magazine=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]] |page=49 |title=Fresh Album, New Start for EWF |last=Jones |first=Ivory M. |volume=117 |issue=39 |issn=0006-2510 |publisher=Nielsen Business Media, Inc.}}</ref> Earth, Wind & Fire recorded a new version of the song, retitled "December", for their 2014 Christmas album ''[[Holiday (Earth, Wind & Fire album)|Holiday]]''.
"September" is one of the group's biggest hits in several decades of performing. A 2005 retrospective on Earth, Wind & Fire by ''[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]'' ranked this song sixth on their top singles.<ref name="2005bb">{{Cite magazine |magazine=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]] |page=49 |title=Fresh Album, New Start for EWF |last=Jones |first=Ivory M. |volume=117 |issue=39 |issn=0006-2510 |publisher=Nielsen Business Media, Inc.}}</ref> Earth, Wind & Fire recorded a new version of the song, retitled "December", for their 2014 Christmas album ''[[Holiday (Earth, Wind & Fire album)|Holiday]]''.


===Cultural impact===
===Cultural impact===
"September" has had renewed interest in the 21st century and has been an [[Internet meme]] as well as the source of original content by social media users.<ref name="viral">{{Cite web |url=https://www.legacyrecordings.com/2020/09/17/earth-wind-fire-legacy-recordings-release-new-remix-video-of-classic-september/ |title=Earth, Wind & Fire & Legacy Recordings Release New Remix & Video of Classic "September" |date=2020-09-17 |accessdate=2023-09-21 |language=en-US |publisher=[[Legacy Recordings]]}}</ref><ref name="meme" />
The song has been featured in many films: [[Sisqó]] and [[Vitamin C (singer)|Vitamin C]] cover the song during the closing credits of the film ''[[Get Over It (film)|Get Over It]]'' (2001), ''[[Night at the Museum]]'' (2006) has it in the last scene before the end credits, and a version featuring the band accompanied by [[Anna Kendrick]] and [[Justin Timberlake]] is featured in the 2016 film ''[[Trolls (film)|Trolls]]'' (see [[Trolls (soundtrack)|''Trolls: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack'']]). The 2016 film ''[[The Nice Guys]]'' features "September" (and also "Boogie Wonderland") being played at a Hollywood party. During the same year the song was played many times at the Raglan Road Bar, Tramore, Co. Waterford, Ireland to indicate that Scott O'Donohue had turned 18, the legal drinking age in the Republic of Ireland. It was never actually his birthday. The 2019 film ''[[Polar (film)|Polar]]'' features the song playing during its opening sequence, with the characters singing along to it together after pulling off a successful hit.


The song has been featured in many films: [[Sisqó]] and [[Vitamin C (singer)|Vitamin C]] cover the song during the closing credits of the film ''[[Get Over It (film)|Get Over It]]'' (2001), ''[[Night at the Museum]]'' (2006) has it in the last scene before the end credits, and a version featuring the band accompanied by [[Anna Kendrick]] and [[Justin Timberlake]] is featured in the 2016 film ''[[Trolls (film)|Trolls]]''. The 2019 film ''[[Polar (film)|Polar]]'' features the song playing during its opening sequence, with the characters singing along to it together after pulling off a successful hit. The 2023 film ''[[Robot Dreams (film)|Robot Dreams]]'' uses the song multiple times, including to accompany the climax.
In the [[United Kingdom]] the song has been popular as the basis of [[football chant]]s at a number of clubs: according to a ''[[The Guardian|Guardian]]'' article this originated at [[Newcastle United F.C.]] where fans started singing a chant about player [[Chancel Mbemba]] in the autumn of 2015.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2017/nov/23/terrace-tunes-viral-source-september-chant |title=When a terrace tune goes viral: the hunt for the source of the September chant |last=MacInnes |first=Paul |date=November 23, 2017 |website=[[theguardian.com]]|access-date=July 11, 2018}}</ref> It was also adapted by fans of the [[England national football team]] at the [[2018 FIFA World Cup]] in Russia: ''"Woah, England are in Russia / Woah, drinking all the vodka / Woah, England’s going all the way"''.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2018/jul/11/why-atomic-kitten-and-earth-wind-fire-became-chants-england-world-cup-russia-2018 |title=Why Atomic Kitten and Earth, Wind & Fire became England's World Cup chants |last=Simpson |first=Dave |date=July 11, 2018 |website=[[theguardian.com]] |access-date=July 11, 2018}}</ref>


In the United Kingdom the song has been popular as the basis of [[football chant]]s at a number of clubs: according to a ''[[The Guardian|Guardian]]'' article this originated at [[Newcastle United F.C.]] where fans started singing a chant about player [[Chancel Mbemba]] in the autumn of 2015.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2017/nov/23/terrace-tunes-viral-source-september-chant |title=When a terrace tune goes viral: the hunt for the source of the September chant |last=MacInnes |first=Paul |date=November 23, 2017 |website=[[theguardian.com]]|access-date=July 11, 2018}}</ref> It was also adapted by fans of the [[England national football team]] at the [[2018 FIFA World Cup]] in Russia: ''"Woah, England are in Russia / Woah, drinking all the vodka / Woah, England’s going all the way"''.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2018/jul/11/why-atomic-kitten-and-earth-wind-fire-became-chants-england-world-cup-russia-2018 |title=Why Atomic Kitten and Earth, Wind & Fire became England's World Cup chants |last=Simpson |first=Dave |date=July 11, 2018 |website=[[theguardian.com]] |access-date=July 11, 2018}}</ref>
Comedian [[Demi Adejuyigbe]] is known for creating annual videos of himself dancing to the song on September 21; he began this tradition in 2016 and each year receives millions of [[YouTube]] views.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://slate.com/culture/2019/09/demi-adejuyigbe-september-21-films-earth-wind-fire.html|title=Celebrate the 21st of September With Demi Adejuyigbe's Videos About the 21st of September|first=Matthew|last=Dessem|date=September 21, 2019|website=Slate Magazine}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.vox.com/2018/9/21/17887990/earth-wind-fire-september-21-meme-demi-adejuyigbe|title=Do you remember the very best meme of September?|first=Aja|last=Romano|date=September 21, 2018|website=Vox}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://news.avclub.com/demi-adejuyigbe-keeps-it-cool-with-this-years-now-tradi-1838312897|title=Demi Adejuyigbe keeps it cool with this year's now-traditional Sept. 21 dance|website=News|date=September 21, 2019 }}</ref> He concluded the annual events in 2021 with a video that featured Earth, Wind & Fire.<ref name="2021demi">{{Cite web |url=https://uproxx.com/music/electrolemon-9-21-21-september-video-earth-wind-fire/ |publisher=Uproxx |date=2021-09-21 |accessdate=2022-09-21 |language=en-US |last=Williams |first=Aaron |title=Electrolemon's Latest (And Final?) Gravity-Defying 'September' Video Stars Earth, Wind & Fire Themselves}}</ref> Renewed popularity in the song lead the city of Los&nbsp;Angeles to declare September&nbsp;21 "Earth, Wind & Fire Day" in 2019 and the band celebrated the following year's event by releasing an EP of remixes by [[Eric Kupper]].<ref name="kupper">{{Cite web |url=https://hypebeast.com/2020/9/earth-wind-and-fire-september-remix |title=Celebrate Earth, Wind & Fire Day With Their New "September" Remix |website=Hypebeast |date=2020-09-21 |first=Eric |last=Johnson |department=Music}}</ref>


Comedian [[Demi Adejuyigbe]] is known for creating annual videos of himself dancing to the song on September 21; he began this tradition in 2016 and each year receives millions of [[YouTube]] views.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://slate.com/culture/2019/09/demi-adejuyigbe-september-21-films-earth-wind-fire.html|title=Celebrate the 21st of September With Demi Adejuyigbe's Videos About the 21st of September|first=Matthew|last=Dessem|date=September 21, 2019|website=Slate Magazine}}</ref><ref name="meme">{{Cite web|url=https://www.vox.com/2018/9/21/17887990/earth-wind-fire-september-21-meme-demi-adejuyigbe|title=Do you remember the very best meme of September?|first=Aja|last=Romano|date=September 21, 2018|website=Vox}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://news.avclub.com/demi-adejuyigbe-keeps-it-cool-with-this-years-now-tradi-1838312897|title=Demi Adejuyigbe keeps it cool with this year's now-traditional Sept. 21 dance|website=News|date=September 21, 2019 }}</ref> He concluded the annual events in 2021 with a video that featured Earth, Wind & Fire.<ref name="2021demi">{{Cite web |url=https://uproxx.com/music/electrolemon-9-21-21-september-video-earth-wind-fire/ |publisher=Uproxx |date=2021-09-21 |accessdate=2022-09-21 |language=en-US |last=Williams |first=Aaron |title=Electrolemon's Latest (And Final?) Gravity-Defying 'September' Video Stars Earth, Wind & Fire Themselves}}</ref> Renewed popularity in the song led the city of Los&nbsp;Angeles to declare September&nbsp;21 "Earth, Wind & Fire Day" in 2019 and the band celebrated the following year's event by releasing an EP of remixes by [[Eric Kupper]].<ref name="kupper">{{Cite web |url=https://hypebeast.com/2020/9/earth-wind-and-fire-september-remix |title=Celebrate Earth, Wind & Fire Day With Their New "September" Remix |website=Hypebeast |date=2020-09-21 |first=Eric |last=Johnson |department=Music}}</ref>
With "September" changed to "December", the song appears in a [[2022 in American television|2022]] Christmas [[TV commercial]] for [[Kohl's]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.marketingdive.com/news/kohls-deals-holiday-marketing-TikTok-Pinterest/635451/|title=Kohl's deals-focused holiday blitz features bevy of mobile tactics|last=Adam|first=Pet|work=Marketing Dive|date=November 1, 2022|access-date=December 12, 2022}}</ref>

With changed lyrics, the song appears in a 2022 Christmas TV commercial for [[Kohl's]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.marketingdive.com/news/kohls-deals-holiday-marketing-TikTok-Pinterest/635451/|title=Kohl's deals-focused holiday blitz features bevy of mobile tactics|last=Adam|first=Pet|work=Marketing Dive|date=November 1, 2022|access-date=July 17, 2024}}</ref>


== Charts ==
== Charts ==
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===Weekly charts===
===Weekly charts===
{| class="wikitable sortable plainrowheaders"
{| class="wikitable sortable plainrowheaders"
|+Weekly sales chart performance for "September"
|+Weekly chart performance for "September"
|-
|-
!scope="col"| Chart (1978–79)
!scope="col"| Chart (1978–1979)
! scope="col"|Peak<br>position
! scope="col"|Peak<br>position
|-
|-
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|}
|}
{| class="wikitable sortable plainrowheaders"
{| class="wikitable sortable plainrowheaders"
|+Weekly sales chart performance for "September"
|+Weekly chart performance for "September"
|-
|-
!scope="col"| Chart (2020–21)
!scope="col"| Chart (2020–21)
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|style="text-align:center;"|78
|style="text-align:center;"|78
|-
|-
!scope="row"|US Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs (''Billboard'')<ref>{{cite magazine|url=http://www.billboard.com/charts/year-end/1979/hot-r-and-and-b-hip-hop-songs|title=Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs – Year-End 1979|magazine=Billboard|date=January 2, 2013|access-date=October 12, 2021}}</ref><ref name="bb1979">{{Cite journal |title=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]] |date=1979-12-22 |volume=91 |issue=51 |issn=0006-2510 |publisher=Nielsen Business Media, Inc.}}</ref>
!scope="row"|US Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs (''Billboard'')<ref>{{cite magazine|url=http://www.billboard.com/charts/year-end/1979/hot-r-and-and-b-hip-hop-songs|title=Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs – Year-End 1979|magazine=Billboard|date=January 2, 2013|access-date=October 12, 2021}}</ref><ref name="bb1979">{{Cite journal | journal=[[Billboard Magazine]] |title=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]] |date=1979-12-22 |volume=91 |issue=51 |issn=0006-2510 |publisher=Nielsen Business Media, Inc.}}</ref>
|style="text-align:center;"|33
|style="text-align:center;"|33
|-
|-
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== Certifications ==
== Certifications ==
{{Certification Table Top}}
{{Certification Table Top|caption=Certifications for "September"}}
{{Certification Table Entry|region=Australia|artist=Earth, Wind & Fire|title=September|type=single|award=Platinum|number=7|relyear=1978|certyear=2022|access-date=October 4, 2022}}
{{Certification Table Entry|region=Australia|artist=Earth, Wind & Fire|title=September|type=single|award=Platinum|number=8|relyear=1978|certyear=2023|access-date=November 30, 2023}}
{{Certification Table Entry|region=Denmark|artist=Earth, Wind & Fire|title=September|type=single|award=Platinum|relyear=1978|certyear=2018|access-date=January 23, 2018|id=7866}}
{{Certification Table Entry|region=Denmark|artist=Earth, Wind & Fire|title=September|type=single|award=Platinum|relyear=1978|certyear=2018|access-date=January 23, 2018|id=7866}}
{{Certification Table Entry|region=Germany|artist=Earth, Wind & Fire|title=September|award=Platinum|type=single|relyear=1978|certyear=2023|access-date=February 2, 2023}}
{{Certification Table Entry|region=Germany|artist=Earth, Wind & Fire|title=September|award=Platinum|type=single|relyear=1978|certyear=2023|access-date=February 2, 2023}}
{{Certification Table Entry|region=Italy|award=Platinum|type=single|artist=Earth, Wind & Fire|title=September|relyear=1978|certyear=2017|id=5046|access-date=November 27, 2017}}
{{Certification Table Entry|region=Italy|award=Platinum|number=2|type=single|artist=Earth, Wind & Fire|title=September|relyear=1978|certyear=2024|id=5046|access-date=July 8, 2024}}
{{Certification Table Entry|region=Japan|award=Gold|type=ringtone|artist=Earth, Wind & Fire|title=September|relyear=2004|certyear=2013|certmonth=4|note=Full-length ringtone|access-date=February 28, 2021}}
{{Certification Table Entry|region=Japan|award=Gold|type=ringtone|artist=Earth, Wind & Fire|title=September|relyear=2004|certyear=2013|certmonth=4|note=Full-length ringtone|access-date=February 28, 2021}}
{{Certification Table Entry|region=Mexico|award=Platinum+Gold|number=3|type=single|access-date=October 24, 2020|certyear=2020|artist=Earth Wind & Fire|title=September|relyear=1978}}
{{Certification Table Entry|region=Mexico|award=Platinum+Gold|number=3|type=single|access-date=October 24, 2020|certyear=2020|artist=Earth Wind & Fire|title=September|relyear=1978}}
{{Certification Table Entry|region=New Zealand|artist=Earth, Wind & Fire|title=September|award=Platinum|number=5|type=single|relyear=1978|certyear=2024|id=5854|access-date=August 25, 2024}}
{{Certification Table Entry|region=Spain|artist=Earth / Wind & Fire|title=September|award=Platinum|number=2|type=single|relyear=1978|certyear=2024|access-date=July 12, 2024}}
{{Certification Table Entry|region=United Kingdom|award=Platinum|number=3|type=single|access-date=October 14, 2022|artist=Earth Wind & Fire|title=September|relyear=2012|certyear=2022|id=5767-2049-1|refname=uk2}}
{{Certification Table Entry|region=United Kingdom|award=Platinum|number=3|type=single|access-date=October 14, 2022|artist=Earth Wind & Fire|title=September|relyear=2012|certyear=2022|id=5767-2049-1|refname=uk2}}
{{Certification Table Entry|region=United States|award=Gold|type=single|access-date=October 3, 2014|artist=Earth, Wind & Fire|title=September|certyear=1979|note=Physical release|refname=PhysicalRIAA}}
{{Certification Table Entry|region=United States|award=Gold|type=single|access-date=October 3, 2014|artist=Earth, Wind & Fire|title=September|certyear=1979|note=Physical release|refname=PhysicalRIAA}}
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{{Infobox song
{{Infobox song
| name = September '99
| name = September '99
| cover = EarthWind&Fire - September 99.jpg
| cover =
| alt = A black silhouette of a woman's body on an orange background
| alt = A black silhouette of a woman's body on an orange background
| type = single
| type = single
Line 206: Line 210:
}}
}}


A remix of the song by English [[Electronic dance music|dance music]] duo [[Phats and Small]]<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.allmusic.com/artist/phats-small-mn0000330607|title=Phats & Small|website=allmusic.com}}</ref> called "September '99" was issued in 1999 on the compilation album ''[[The Ultimate Collection (Earth, Wind & Fire album)|The Ultimate Collection]]''. The single reached No. 1 on the ''[[RPM (magazine)|RPM]]'' Canadian Dance Songs chart, No. 4 on the [[UK Dance Singles and Albums Charts|UK Dance Chart]] and No. 25 on the [[UK Singles Chart]].<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.bac-lac.gc.ca/eng/discover/films-videos-sound-recordings/rpm/Pages/item.aspx?IdNumber=9156&|title=RPM Top Dance|date=December 6, 1999|issue=7|volume=70|publisher=[[RPM (magazine)|RPM]]|website=bac-lac.gc.ca}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.officialcharts.com/charts/dance-singles-chart/19990725/104/|title=Official Dance Singles Chart Top 40: 25 July 1999 – 31 July 1999|publisher=[[Official Charts]]|website=officialcharts.com}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.officialcharts.com/charts/singles-chart/19990725/7501/|title=Official Singles Chart Top 100: 25 July 1999 – 31 July 1999|publisher=[[Official Charts]]|website=officialcharts.com}}</ref><ref name="UK chart" />
A remix of the song by English [[Electronic dance music|dance music]] duo [[Phats & Small]]<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.allmusic.com/artist/phats-small-mn0000330607|title=Phats & Small|website=allmusic.com}}</ref> called "September '99" was issued in 1999 on the compilation album ''[[The Ultimate Collection (Earth, Wind & Fire album)|The Ultimate Collection]]''. The single reached No. 1 on the ''[[RPM (magazine)|RPM]]'' Canadian Dance Songs chart, No. 4 on the [[UK Dance Singles and Albums Charts|UK Dance Chart]] and No. 25 on the [[UK singles chart|UK Singles Chart]].<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.bac-lac.gc.ca/eng/discover/films-videos-sound-recordings/rpm/Pages/item.aspx?IdNumber=9156&|title=RPM Top Dance|date=December 6, 1999|issue=7|volume=70|publisher=[[RPM (magazine)|RPM]]|website=bac-lac.gc.ca}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.officialcharts.com/charts/dance-singles-chart/19990725/104/|title=Official Dance Singles Chart Top 40: 25 July 1999 – 31 July 1999|publisher=[[Official Charts]]|website=officialcharts.com}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.officialcharts.com/charts/singles-chart/19990725/7501/|title=Official Singles Chart Top 100: 25 July 1999 – 31 July 1999|publisher=[[Official Charts]]|website=officialcharts.com}}</ref><ref name="UK chart" />


===Track listing===
===Track listing===
Line 237: Line 241:
{{single chart|Germany|40|artist=Earth, Wind & Fire|rowheader=true|song=September 99 (Phats & Small Remix)|songid=4016|refname=}}
{{single chart|Germany|40|artist=Earth, Wind & Fire|rowheader=true|song=September 99 (Phats & Small Remix)|songid=4016|refname=}}
|-
|-
!scope="row"|Iceland ([[Íslenski listinn|Íslenski Listinn Topp 40]])<ref>{{cite magazine|url=http://timarit.is/files/12813825.pdf#navpanes=1&view=FitH|title=Íslenski Listinn Topp 40 (NR. 336 Vikuna 12.8. – 19.8. 1999)|publisher=Dagblaðið Vísir|access-date=July 13, 2018|language=is}}</ref>
!scope="row"|Iceland ([[Íslenski listinn|Íslenski Listinn Topp 40]])<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://timarit.is/page/2988167#page/n9/mode/2up|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230127012839/https://timarit.is/page/2988167#page/n9/mode/2up|title=Íslenski Listinn Topp 40 (NR. 336 Vikuna 12.8. – 19.8. 1999)|magazine=[[Dagbladid Visir]]|publisher=Dagblaðið Vísir|access-date=July 13, 2018|archive-date=January 27, 2023|language=is|url-status=live}}</ref>
|style="text-align:center;"|27
|style="text-align:center;"|27
|-
|-
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{{single chart|Sweden|48|rowheader=true|artist=Earth, Wind & Fire|song=September 99 (Phats & Small Remix)|refname=Sweeden1}}
{{single chart|Sweden|48|rowheader=true|artist=Earth, Wind & Fire|song=September 99 (Phats & Small Remix)|refname=Sweeden1}}
|-
|-
{{single chart|Swiss|33|rowheader=true|artist=Earth, Wind & Fire|song=September 99 (Phats & Small Remix)|refname=}}
{{single chart|Switzerland|33|rowheader=true|artist=Earth, Wind & Fire|song=September 99 (Phats & Small Remix)|refname=}}
|-
|-
{{single chart|UK|25|artist=Earth, Wind & Fire|rowheader=true|song=September 99 (Phats & Small Remix)|date=19990725|access-date=January 1, 2021|refname=}}
{{single chart|UK|25|artist=Earth, Wind & Fire|rowheader=true|song=September 99 (Phats & Small Remix)|date=19990725|access-date=January 1, 2021|refname=}}
Line 314: Line 318:
James Christopher Monger of [[AllMusic]] found "Kirk Franklin offering up an impeccable, if nearly identical rendition of 'September'."<ref name=Allmusic>{{cite web|url=https://www.allmusic.com/album/interpretations-celebrating-the-music-of-earth-wind-and-fire-mw0000769498|title=Various Artists: Interpretations Celebrating the Music of Earth, Wind & Fire|author=Monger Christopher, James|publisher=[[Allmusic]]|website=allmusic.com}}</ref> Mike Joseph of ''[[PopMatters]]'' said "Kirk Franklin takes the band's 'September' (literally, by sampling the original version) and refashions it into an anthem of survival, using 'September' as a metaphor for a time when things aren't going so well, and using his talented choir of singers to give the lyrics a jubilant reading."<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.popmatters.com/various-artists-interpretations-2496254099.html|title=Various Artists: Interpretations|author=Joseph, Mike|date=June 18, 2007|publisher=[[Popmatters]]|website=popmatters.com}}</ref> ''[[People (magazine)|People]]'' exclaimed "Kirk Franklin turns 'September' into a rousing celebration of faith."<ref>{{cite web|url=https://people.com/archive/picks-and-pans-review-quick-cuts-vol-67-no-15/|title=Picks and Pans Review: Quick Cuts|author1=Arnold, Chuck|author2=Stoynoff, Natasha|author3=Herndon, Jessica|date=April 16, 2007|website=People}}</ref>
James Christopher Monger of [[AllMusic]] found "Kirk Franklin offering up an impeccable, if nearly identical rendition of 'September'."<ref name=Allmusic>{{cite web|url=https://www.allmusic.com/album/interpretations-celebrating-the-music-of-earth-wind-and-fire-mw0000769498|title=Various Artists: Interpretations Celebrating the Music of Earth, Wind & Fire|author=Monger Christopher, James|publisher=[[Allmusic]]|website=allmusic.com}}</ref> Mike Joseph of ''[[PopMatters]]'' said "Kirk Franklin takes the band's 'September' (literally, by sampling the original version) and refashions it into an anthem of survival, using 'September' as a metaphor for a time when things aren't going so well, and using his talented choir of singers to give the lyrics a jubilant reading."<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.popmatters.com/various-artists-interpretations-2496254099.html|title=Various Artists: Interpretations|author=Joseph, Mike|date=June 18, 2007|publisher=[[Popmatters]]|website=popmatters.com}}</ref> ''[[People (magazine)|People]]'' exclaimed "Kirk Franklin turns 'September' into a rousing celebration of faith."<ref>{{cite web|url=https://people.com/archive/picks-and-pans-review-quick-cuts-vol-67-no-15/|title=Picks and Pans Review: Quick Cuts|author1=Arnold, Chuck|author2=Stoynoff, Natasha|author3=Herndon, Jessica|date=April 16, 2007|website=People}}</ref>


{{-}}
{{Clear}}

==References==
==References==
{{Reflist}}
{{Reflist}}
Line 336: Line 341:
[[Category:American Record Corporation singles]]
[[Category:American Record Corporation singles]]
[[Category:Columbia Records singles]]
[[Category:Columbia Records singles]]
[[Category:Disco songs]]
[[Category:Earth, Wind & Fire songs]]
[[Category:Earth, Wind & Fire songs]]
[[Category:Internet memes introduced in 2016]]
[[Category:Internet memes introduced in 2016]]
[[Category:Kirk Franklin songs]]
[[Category:Song recordings produced by Charles Stepney]]
[[Category:Song recordings produced by Charles Stepney]]
[[Category:Song recordings produced by Maurice White]]
[[Category:Song recordings produced by Maurice White]]
Line 346: Line 351:
[[Category:Stax Records singles]]
[[Category:Stax Records singles]]
[[Category:United States National Recording Registry recordings]]
[[Category:United States National Recording Registry recordings]]
[[Category:Kirk Franklin songs]]
[[Category:Unofficial observances]]

Revision as of 20:04, 25 August 2024

"September"
The single sleeve features the musicians standing side-by-side, mostly wearing suits and smiling
Single by Earth, Wind & Fire
from the album The Best of Earth, Wind & Fire, Vol. 1
B-side
  • "Love's Holiday"
  • "Can't Hide Love"
ReleasedNovember 18, 1978 (1978-11-18)
RecordedSeptember 1978
Genre
Length3:35
LabelARC/Columbia
Songwriter(s)
Producer(s)
Earth, Wind & Fire singles chronology
"Got to Get You into My Life"
(1978)
"September"
(1978)
"Boogie Wonderland"
(1979)
Music video
"September" on YouTube

"September" is a song by the American band Earth, Wind & Fire released as a single in 1978 on ARC/Columbia Records.[1] Initially included as a track for The Best of Earth, Wind & Fire, Vol. 1,[2] "September" was very successful commercially and reached No. 1 on the US Billboard Hot R&B Songs chart, No. 8 on the US Billboard Hot 100,[3] and No. 3 on the UK Singles Chart.[4] The song remains a staple of the band's body of work and has been sampled, covered, remixed, and re-recorded numerous times.

It was added to the Library of Congress's National Recording Registry list of sound recordings that "are culturally, historically, or aesthetically important" in 2018.[5]

Composition

"September" has a funk groove based on a four-measure pattern that is consistent between verses and choruses, built on a circle of fifths.[6]

Using a chord progression written by Earth, Wind & Fire guitarist Al McKay, vocalist Maurice White and songwriter Allee Willis wrote the song over one month. Willis was initially bothered by the gibberish "ba-dee-ya" lyric White used through the song, and begged him to rewrite it: "I just said, 'What the fuck does 'ba-dee-ya' mean?' And he essentially said, 'Who the fuck cares?' I learned my greatest lesson ever in songwriting from him, which was never let the lyric get in the way of the groove."[7] The song was included on the band's first compilation—The Best of Earth, Wind & Fire, Vol. 1—solely to boost sales with original content.[8]

Although several theories about the significance of the date have been suggested, the songwriter Maurice White claimed he simply chose the 21st due to how it sounded when sung.[9] His wife, Marilyn White, however, claimed that September 21 was the due date of their son, Kahbran, according to lyricist Allee Willis.[10]

Personnel

Earth, Wind & Fire[11][12]

Technical personnel

Reception

"September" has been one of the biggest commercial and critical successes of Earth, Wind & Fire's career, and vocalist Philip Bailey considers it one of the group's best songs.[13] The song was certified silver by the British Phonographic Industry and certified gold in the US (until the RIAA lowered the sales levels for certified singles in 1989, a Gold single equaled 1 million units sold.) "September" was later certified Gold for digital sales by the RIAA,[14][15][16] and has sold over 2 million digital copies in the US as of September 2017.[17] Record World called it a "smooth, quick song that captures the mood of autumn nostalgia, and should capture radio audiences too."[18] In 2021, Rolling Stone included "September" at No. 65 on their updated list of the "500 Greatest Songs of All Time."[19]

"September" is one of the group's biggest hits in several decades of performing. A 2005 retrospective on Earth, Wind & Fire by Billboard ranked this song sixth on their top singles.[20] Earth, Wind & Fire recorded a new version of the song, retitled "December", for their 2014 Christmas album Holiday.

Cultural impact

"September" has had renewed interest in the 21st century and has been an Internet meme as well as the source of original content by social media users.[21][22]

The song has been featured in many films: Sisqó and Vitamin C cover the song during the closing credits of the film Get Over It (2001), Night at the Museum (2006) has it in the last scene before the end credits, and a version featuring the band accompanied by Anna Kendrick and Justin Timberlake is featured in the 2016 film Trolls. The 2019 film Polar features the song playing during its opening sequence, with the characters singing along to it together after pulling off a successful hit. The 2023 film Robot Dreams uses the song multiple times, including to accompany the climax.

In the United Kingdom the song has been popular as the basis of football chants at a number of clubs: according to a Guardian article this originated at Newcastle United F.C. where fans started singing a chant about player Chancel Mbemba in the autumn of 2015.[23] It was also adapted by fans of the England national football team at the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia: "Woah, England are in Russia / Woah, drinking all the vodka / Woah, England’s going all the way".[24]

Comedian Demi Adejuyigbe is known for creating annual videos of himself dancing to the song on September 21; he began this tradition in 2016 and each year receives millions of YouTube views.[25][22][26] He concluded the annual events in 2021 with a video that featured Earth, Wind & Fire.[27] Renewed popularity in the song led the city of Los Angeles to declare September 21 "Earth, Wind & Fire Day" in 2019 and the band celebrated the following year's event by releasing an EP of remixes by Eric Kupper.[28]

With changed lyrics, the song appears in a 2022 Christmas TV commercial for Kohl's.[29]

Charts

Certifications

Certifications for "September"
Region Certification Certified units/sales
Australia (ARIA)[57] 8× Platinum 560,000
Denmark (IFPI Danmark)[58] Platinum 90,000
Germany (BVMI)[59] Platinum 500,000
Italy (FIMI)[60] 2× Platinum 200,000
Japan (RIAJ)[61]
Full-length ringtone
Gold 100,000*
Mexico (AMPROFON)[62] 3× Platinum+Gold 210,000
New Zealand (RMNZ)[63] 5× Platinum 150,000
Spain (PROMUSICAE)[64] 2× Platinum 120,000
United Kingdom (BPI)[15] 3× Platinum 1,800,000
United States (RIAA)[14]
Physical release
Gold 1,000,000^
United States (RIAA)[65] 6× Platinum 6,000,000

* Sales figures based on certification alone.
^ Shipments figures based on certification alone.
Sales+streaming figures based on certification alone.

"September '99"

"September '99"
Single by Earth, Wind & Fire
from the album The Ultimate Collection
Released1999
GenreDance-pop, house
Length3:43
LabelColumbia
Songwriter(s)Maurice White, Allee Willis, Al McKay
Producer(s)Maurice White
Earth, Wind & Fire singles chronology
"When Love Goes Wrong"
(1997)
"September '99"
(1999)
"All in the Way"
(2003)
Music video
"September 99" on YouTube

A remix of the song by English dance music duo Phats & Small[66] called "September '99" was issued in 1999 on the compilation album The Ultimate Collection. The single reached No. 1 on the RPM Canadian Dance Songs chart, No. 4 on the UK Dance Chart and No. 25 on the UK Singles Chart.[67][68][69][44]

Track listing

The compact disc single from INCredible Records (catalogue code INCR24CD) features:

  1. "September '99" (radio edit) – 3:45
  2. "September '99" (Mutant disco vocal mix) – 6:44
  3. "September '99" (Mutant disco dub) – 6:11

Charts

Kirk Franklin version

"September"
Single by Kirk Franklin
from the album Interpretations: Celebrating the Music of Earth, Wind & Fire
Released2007
GenreR&B, gospel
LabelStax
Songwriter(s)Maurice White, Allee Willis, Al McKay
Producer(s)Maurice White
Kirk Franklin singles chronology
"Look at Me Now"
(2006)
"September"
(2007)
"Declaration (This Is It)"
(2007)
Music video
"September" on YouTube

Kirk Franklin released a cover of "September" in 2007 on Stax Records.[88] The song reached No. 17 on the Billboard Adult R&B Songs chart and No. 26 on the Billboard Hot Gospel Songs chart.[89][90] Frankin's rendition was produced by Maurice White and appears on the 2007 tribute album Interpretations: Celebrating the Music of Earth, Wind & Fire,[1] and was released as the lead single to promote the album.[91]

Critical reception

Steve Jones of USA Today wrote: "Franklin turns the energetic 'September' into a gospel-fueled romp."[92] James Christopher Monger of AllMusic found "Kirk Franklin offering up an impeccable, if nearly identical rendition of 'September'."[93] Mike Joseph of PopMatters said "Kirk Franklin takes the band's 'September' (literally, by sampling the original version) and refashions it into an anthem of survival, using 'September' as a metaphor for a time when things aren't going so well, and using his talented choir of singers to give the lyrics a jubilant reading."[94] People exclaimed "Kirk Franklin turns 'September' into a rousing celebration of faith."[95]

References

  1. ^ a b Earth, Wind & Fire: September. ARC/Columbia Records. 1978.
  2. ^ "The album that puts all the elements together". Jet. 55 (12): 15. December 7, 1978. ISSN 0021-5996.
  3. ^ Whitburn, Joel (2004). Top R&B/Hip-Hop Singles: 1942–2004. Record Research. p. 179.
  4. ^ Dean, Maury (2003). Rock N' Roll Gold Rush. Algora. p. 289. ISBN 0-87586-207-1.
  5. ^ "National Recording Registry". Library of Congress. Retrieved February 10, 2021.
  6. ^ Walser, Robert (2004). "Groove as Niche". In Eric Weisbard (ed.). This Is Pop: In Search of the Elusive at Experience Music Project. Harvard University Press. pp. 273–274. ISBN 9780674013216.
  7. ^ "The Song That Never Ends: Why 'September' Sustains". NPR.org. Retrieved April 15, 2018.
  8. ^ Myers, Marc (September 3, 2019). "Do You Remember? The Message in Earth, Wind & Fire's 'September'". Wall Street Journal. Retrieved September 20, 2019.
  9. ^ Charnas, Dan (September 19, 2014). "The Song That Never Ends: Why Earth, Wind & Fire's 'September' Sustains". Morning Edition.
  10. ^ Myers, Marc (September 3, 2019). "Do You Remember? The Message in Earth, Wind & Fire's 'September'". Wall Street Journal.
  11. ^ White, Adam; Bronson, Fred (1993). The Billboard Book of Number One Rhythm & Blues Hits. Billboard Books. p. 250. ISBN 9780823082858.
  12. ^ The Best of Earth, Wind & Fire, Vol. 1 (liner notes). American Record Corporation. November 23, 1978.
  13. ^ Bailey, Philip; Zimmerman, Keith; Zimmerman, Kent (April 15, 2014). Shining Star: Braving the Elements of Earth, Wind & Fire. Penguin Publishing Group. p. 183. ISBN 9781101607930.
  14. ^ a b "American single certifications – Earth, Wind & Fire – September". Recording Industry Association of America. Retrieved October 3, 2014.
  15. ^ a b "British single certifications – Earth Wind & Fire – September". British Phonographic Industry. Retrieved October 14, 2022.
  16. ^ "Rock Music, etc., Terms". spider.georgetowncollege.edu. Archived from the original on May 18, 2011. Retrieved March 23, 2009.
  17. ^ "Nielsen SoundScan charts – Digital Songs – Week Ending: 09/28/2017" (PDF). Nielsen SoundScan. Archived from the original (PDF) on October 2, 2017. Retrieved October 3, 2017.
  18. ^ "Hits of the Week" (PDF). Record World. November 18, 1978. p. 1. Retrieved February 13, 2023.
  19. ^ "Rolling Stone's 500 Greatest Songs of All Time". Rolling Stone. September 15, 2021. Retrieved January 29, 2022.
  20. ^ Jones, Ivory M. "Fresh Album, New Start for EWF". Billboard. Vol. 117, no. 39. Nielsen Business Media, Inc. p. 49. ISSN 0006-2510.
  21. ^ "Earth, Wind & Fire & Legacy Recordings Release New Remix & Video of Classic "September"". Legacy Recordings. September 17, 2020. Retrieved September 21, 2023.
  22. ^ a b Romano, Aja (September 21, 2018). "Do you remember the very best meme of September?". Vox.
  23. ^ MacInnes, Paul (November 23, 2017). "When a terrace tune goes viral: the hunt for the source of the September chant". theguardian.com. Retrieved July 11, 2018.
  24. ^ Simpson, Dave (July 11, 2018). "Why Atomic Kitten and Earth, Wind & Fire became England's World Cup chants". theguardian.com. Retrieved July 11, 2018.
  25. ^ Dessem, Matthew (September 21, 2019). "Celebrate the 21st of September With Demi Adejuyigbe's Videos About the 21st of September". Slate Magazine.
  26. ^ "Demi Adejuyigbe keeps it cool with this year's now-traditional Sept. 21 dance". News. September 21, 2019.
  27. ^ Williams, Aaron (September 21, 2021). "Electrolemon's Latest (And Final?) Gravity-Defying 'September' Video Stars Earth, Wind & Fire Themselves". Uproxx. Retrieved September 21, 2022.
  28. ^ Johnson, Eric (September 21, 2020). "Celebrate Earth, Wind & Fire Day With Their New "September" Remix". Music. Hypebeast.
  29. ^ Adam, Pet (November 1, 2022). "Kohl's deals-focused holiday blitz features bevy of mobile tactics". Marketing Dive. Retrieved July 17, 2024.
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  31. ^ "Earth, Wind & Fire – September" (in Dutch). Ultratop 50.
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Further reading