Remembering AlleeWillis with 10 of her most influential songs ❤️
Willis spent the better part of six years putting together a multi-media love letter to her hometown, anchored by this ebullient song that layered performances from 5,000 singers and instrumentalists, including the MC5's Wayne Kramer, Motown luminaries Martha Reeves, Lamont Dozier, Valerie Simpson and Paul Riser, actress Lily Tomlin, Mayer Hawthorne and Grammy Award-winning producer Narada Michael Walden.
Willis hooked up with Neil Tennant and Chris Lowe via a mutual friend in the publishing industry, writing this single about three years before its release, with the duo using the interim to refine the song's structure and get Springfield on board. Clearly well worth the wait, and the effort.
While writing, she was not a fan of White's "ba-dee-ya" lyrics and fought to fill those in with real words; subsequently she called it "the greatest lesson I ever had in songwriting -- a great groove can make any lyric work." We knew love, and this song, were here to stay.
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
The Independent’s Women of the Decade, from Greta Thunberg to Serena WilliamsThese are the influential women who have had a global impact over the past 10 years in politics, sport, law, culture and society, says Sabrina Barr
Read more »
Here are 10 of the decade's most influential booksHere are 10 of the most influential titles of the decade. Many have been adapted into films, merchandise or Netflix specials. These are the printed works that most left their mark on the 2010s.
Read more »
Look Back at the Best Songs of 1999 in Our PodcastRolling Stone Music Now digs into Rob Sheffield’s favorite songs of 1999
Read more »
Miley Cyrus Includes Ex Liam Hemsworth in Her Decade VideoThe pop star included footage of the former couple from 'The Last Song' and more.
Read more »
PSA: Channing Tatum is Now on RayaAnd his profile song is reportedly 'Brown Sugar' by D'Angelo
Read more »
20 No. 20 Hot 100 Hits for 2020: 'December,' 'Our Lips Are Sealed,' 'Slow Ride,' 'Little Talks' & MoreCelebrating the biggest songs that peaked at No. 20.
Read more »