Chelsea Alexandra
Contrary to its name, on November 18, 1978, Earth, Wind & Fire released “September,” a song that has since become a timeless classic. Every September, the internet comes alive with posts celebrating the track, asking the famous question: “Do you remember the 21st night of September?” With its infectious rhythm and an unforgettable lyric “Ba-dee-ya,” the song has been played on countless radio stations and probably at every wedding since its release.
Earth, Wind & Fire, a nine-member ensemble, brought the track to life with their signature blend of funk, soul, and energy. But behind every iconic song isn’t just the musicians who play it; there is a village of producers, mixing engineers, and songwriters who play their part. Although you may not recognize the name Allee Willis, her influence is unmistakable. Her genius helped craft a song that continues to bring joy to generations. “September” was one of her hits.
The new documentary The World According to Allee Willis delves into the colorful life and extraordinary career of Grammy-winning songwriter and visual artist Allee Willis. Starting her journey in her hometown of Detroit, Allee Willis has written some of the most memorable songs of the century. Songs such as Earth, Wind and Fire’s “September,” “Boogie Wonderland,” and The Rembrandts’ “I’ll Be There For You” (the Friends theme song) are her most notable. She also wrote the songs for the musical adaptation of The Color Purple. This vibrant music documentary celebrates the songwriter and deep dives into her kaleidoscopic world, showcasing the method to her madness and celebrating her joyful connections and human imperfections.
With much of the last year of her life being recorded, Willis’ voice was used to tell her own story. Listening to Willis tell her story in her own words, it is apparent that her art was her life. The documentary not only features Willis’ musical talents but also the wild creativity that flowed from her at all times of the day. With that, when her friends featured in the documentary talked about her career they shined the spotlight on the brilliant creative process. Her mind worked in such a colorful and abstract way that most of her friends and colleagues were in awe of her. She lived in a whimsical 1950’s aesthetic that felt more like her own Pee-Wee’s Playhouse.
In addition to writing some of the biggest hits of the century, she was a painter and enjoyed hosting extravagant parties. She was a larger-than-life individual who could not be contained while on this earth. Writer/director Alexis Spraic captured some of Willis’ magic in this documentary. Creatively, Willis was a force with boundless enthusiasm and authenticity. When it came to her art, she was incredibly sure of herself. She had a unique view of the world that she expressed through her art. Although the documentary pays tribute to Willis’ creativity, it celebrates the joy she found in her self-expression.
In addition to writing some of the biggest hits of the century, she was a painter and enjoyed hosting extravagant parties. She was a larger-than-life individual who could not be contained while on this earth. Writer/director Alexis Spraic captured some of Willis’ magic in The World According to Allee Willis. Creatively, Willis was a force with boundless enthusiasm and authenticity. When it came to her art, she was incredibly sure of herself. She had a unique eye and view of the worldand it was shined through her art. Although the documentary pays tribute to Willis’ creativity, it celebrates the joy she found in her self-expression.
Despite her incredible success, Willis was, like so many artists, a complex individual. At a young age, she lost her mother. Her relationship with her father was one of struggle because he disapproved of her embracing Black culture. Throughout her life, Willis grappled with real self-esteem issues that would affect her life until her passing. Hiding behind the colors and joy, there were layers to the songwriter who felt lonely for much of her life. There was a constant longing for love and to be loved.
Although she was out to her close friends, she struggled to live completely out of the closet and publicly identify as a lesbian. It made her feel isolated in ways to which she would throw herself into her work. It was her work where she could be open to the world, she was able to express her queerness through her work. It was the 1980s, a time when queerness was not so openly accepted, she hid behind her art. Still, she was able to experience a great love with her longtime partner, Prudence, her work was the one true love. It took the president over most things as a distraction from the insecurities and feeling less than in a male-dominated industry.
Spraic has executed a well-rounded documentary that gives us insight into one of the most fascinating people who worked in the music industry. The World According to Allee Willis bottles up some of Willis’ magic and shares it with the world. It is a bold celebration of an incredible talent that has gone unnoticed for too long. Finally, Willis takes center stage, and the world is authentically introduced to her larger-than-life persona.
The World According to Allee Willis strikes straight at the heart, spotlighting the joy and energy of the iconic songs Willis helped create—music that has brightened lives for decades and will continue to do so for generations. It’s impossible to walk away from this film without a deep admiration for the songwriter’s life’s work. Even more so, it is a documentary that fills you with joy and leaves you feeling as energized as the music featured. The boundless creativity and vibrant spirit will continue to bring joy to the world.
