Earth, Wind & Fire's 1978 hit "September" has been named the best song about the month of September by Billboard, almost five decades after it first came out. The music magazine placed the track at the top of its ranking of the greatest September-themed songs, according to Parade magazine.
"September" was written by Maurice White, Al McKay and Allee Willis. Since its release the song has become one of the band's most recognisable tracks, topping the American R&B chart and reaching number eight on the Billboard Hot 100.
The song was actually released in November 1978, even though its title and famous opening line have forever tied it to September. The date September 21 holds a special place in the track, since it is named at the very start of the song, and for years fans have wondered whether it referred to a real historical or personal event.
Why September 21 was chosen
Co-writer Allee Willis explained in a 2014 interview with NPR that there was no particular story behind the date. It was chosen simply because it sounded right in the lyrics, fit the rhythm and had the poetic feel the songwriters wanted. The same reasoning led to the song's famous "Ba-dee-ya" refrain being kept in, a phrase with no specific meaning that nonetheless matched the mood and rhythm of the track perfectly.
Topping Billboard's new ranking
"September" has now picked up a new accolade, with Billboard naming it the best song about September. The list features nine songs spanning different decades and genres, but the Earth, Wind & Fire hit came out on top. Billboard noted that the ranking reflects editorial choices rather than sales figures, chart positions or commercial popularity.
Also included in the ranking were Dinah Washington's "September in the Rain," Frank Sinatra's "The September of My Years," Neil Diamond's "September Morn'," Fiona Apple's "Pale September" and Daughtry's "September."
A song still growing in popularity
The song's popularity has continued to grow decades after its release. Its music video on YouTube had racked up around 898 million views at the time of publication. Long removed from its disco-era origins, "September" has become one of those songs that returns to playlists every year as autumn begins.
