Allee Willis, the prolific songwriter identified for penning Buddies theme tune “I will Be There For You” and Earth, Wind & Fireplace’s “September,” died on Christmas Eve. Willis, identified for her colourful character and love of all issues kitsch as a lot as her songwriting, suffered a cardiac occasion, in response to her publicist.
The Grammy-winner, who was additionally nominated for an Emmy and a Tony (for co-writing the music for The Colour Purple), was inducted into the Songwriters Corridor of Fame in 2018.
“Earth, Wind & Fireplace was my favourite group on this planet, and [I was approached about] writing for a few teams [EW&F’s] Verdine [White] was producing. He mentioned, ‘I’m going to inform my brother about you.’ A few nights later, the cellphone rang, and it was Maurice White and it was a tremendous dialog. He mentioned, ‘Do you need to write the following Earth, Wind & Fireplace album with me?’ I went to the studio, and we began engaged on ‘September’ the very first day. What rhymes with ‘September’? ‘Bear in mind’!,” she advised Billboard again in 2018, of writing the enduring tune. She additionally co-wrote the band’s hit, “Boogie Wonderland.”
EW&Fs Philip Bailey took to Twitter to fete Willis.
— It might be like Allee Willis to Take Flight at a time of probably the most Holy of days.
You can be missed my buddy.
Till we meet once more.
Love And Gentle. pic.twitter.com/8I2MpNGaeL
— Philip Bailey (@PhilipBaileyEWF) December 25, 2019
Songwriter Siedah Garrett additionally posted a treasured reminiscence.
Years in the past, earlier than sampling, Allee and I had been writing a tune collectively, we titled it “Chainsaw”, so she left the session to go purchase one from Dwelling Depot for an genuine sound impact. #RIP Allee Willis, heaven has obtained it’s Xmas current. #songwriter #legend #RIPAlleeWillis #music pic.twitter.com/bmOmGk35Mb
— SIEDAH GARRETT (@SIEDAHGARRETT) December 25, 2019
In her 40-year profession, Willis additionally wrote songs for Patti LaBelle (“Stir It Up”), the Pet Store Boys (“What Have I Accomplished to Deserve This”), the Pointer Sisters (“Neutron Dance”), and lots of extra. The Pointer Sisters mirrored on their work together with her on Twitter.
Hit making songwriter ALLEE WILLIS has handed away. Condolences to associates, household and followers. Gratitude & respect for her work & enjoyable, festive & creative character. Amongst among the songs of hers we recorded was our oh so enjoyable & beloved NEUTRON DANCE ❤️❤️❤️–. pic.twitter.com/wRcFT8vXkb
— The Pointer Sisters (@PointerOfficial) December 25, 2019
Most not too long ago, she was collaborating with rapper (and fellow Detroit native) Massive Sean, who hung out co-writing together with her at her house in Los Angeles this yr. She so beloved her hometown that in 2013, when town declared chapter, she co-wrote a tune, “The D,” and held a month-long sequence of singalongs that helped elevate cash for 2 arts organizations.
Different fellow songwriters and artists additionally weighed in.
Allee Willis, who had hits with so many fantastic artists, Earth Wind & Fireplace, the Pointer Sisters, and who wrote the rating for the Broadway hit “The Colour Purple” has died. My condolences to all her associates within the music group, and in Los Angeles, the place she was so beloved.
— Bette Midler (@BetteMidler) December 25, 2019
RIP Allee Willis. Thanks for thus many nice songs, however most of all “September” which is the perfect and most feel-good tune ever. ❤️ https://t.co/EIuqK7KdFI
— Richard Marx (@richardmarx) December 25, 2019
The 72-year-old, who was born on Nov. 10, 1947, is survived by her accomplice of 27 years, Prudence Fenton.
