The Musical Genius Behind the “Friends” Theme Also Wrote “September”

At the beginning of 1978, Allee Willis was living off of food stamps. But by the end of the year, she’d sold 10 million records … and that’s just part of the story. The musical genius, is responsible for over 1,000 songs, incluidng hits like Earth, Wind & Fire’s “September,” the entirety of Broadway’s “The Color Purple,” and the iconic, unforgettable “Friends” theme song. Oh, and she did this all without being able to write music or play a single instrument.

UPDATE: We are sad to note that Allee Willis passed away in December, 2019. She was 72.

#Friends #AlleeWillis #Songwriter

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[Yaxoi]

I hope that I can someday look back at my own life and achievements with the same well-deserved confidence and say "yep I did a lot of stuff, I was really good at it and it was awesome." Cool lady and a real inspiration!

[KazimJafar]

That's the kind of Grandma every kid wants

[michealholcomb]

She was one of a kind. Completely unique. My favorite kind of person. RIP Ms. Allee. You will be missed.

[zachb.]

Enjoyed the video. She seems really cool. But aside from her not knowing how to play instruments nor read or write musical notation, we aren't given anything about her creative process.

[rosarosario]

Thank you for the beautiful music. 🎼 Musical Genius & Icon.💎 RIP❤

[EvsPersonal]

She created september, she's automatically my favorite.


September is the greatest vibe of the last century

[OPMatar]

I'm very interested to know what her process is like, as she doesn't play or read music. Or did she just write the lyrics?

[jennross]

Condolences to her family. Rest In Peace Allee Willis. Loved your songs.

[protestantsfailurend]

I remember her videos on yt and you cannot not like her I felt.

[reassagressta]

So no one told you Life was gonna be this way

[markrush]

so long Allee...your music will live on.

[florastewart]

Ms Willis, you are the Queen of American social soundtracks! You rock!

[mclarenguy]

Sad news: Allee passed away this Christmas Day in 2019.

RIP Allee

[TBONESIDEOFLIFE]

Being best at not knowing what your doing has its perks. you see a lot of that here in America.

[chriscott]

I wish this was brought back by WBD! This series was so informative. Quick and concise. Everything that young people like? Please bring it back! What an amazing person. Sad she is no longer with us.

[owlsinacoat]

Just found out about her passing on the 2019 In Memoriam. Rest in Peace to such an amazing artist and party thrower. My condolences to her partner.

[MC-mkuo]

Wow this lady has done some amazing things in her life so far. That is awesome! September is an AMAZING song that will always be loved by many generations.

[j.c]

‘What Have I Done to Deserve This’ and ‘September’ are two of the greatest songs ever created. Very talented and wonderfully eccentric woman. R.I.P.

[swvsgyh]

She also wrote "Boogie Wonderland"...RIP Allee

[generalleenknassknotretire]

September has been one of my favorite songs since it was first released.
She has a YouTube channel.
I subscribed when I found out.