“Boogie Wonderland” is a 1979 disco hit song by American R&B band Earth, Wind & Fire, featuring The Emotions. Released as a single on March 20, 1979 by The American Record Company and Columbia Records, the song was certified Gold by the RIAA on May 29, 1979. “Boogie Wonderland” was written by Allee Willis and Jon Lind and was included on the album I Am. It is regarded as a classic of the disco era, peaking at number 14 on the disco chart. On other US charts, “Boogie Wonderland” peaked at number 6 on the Billboard Hot 100 and number 2 on the Hot Soul Singles chart. (More from Wikipedia)
Black Russian had some assistance with the lyrics, perhaps because English is not their native language; they hardly spoke the language at all at the time that they defected. Lyricists who lent a hand include Allee Willis, who co-wrote the lyrics for their beautiful first single “Leave Me Now”. Willis has had a long career as a writer, songwriter, set designer, and artist. From Wikipedia: “[Allee Willis]’ songs have sold over 50,000,000 records, including ‘September’ and ‘Boogie Wonderland’ by Earth, Wind and Fire, ‘Neutron Dance’ by the Pointer Sisters, ‘What Have I Done to Deserve This?’ by Pet Shop Boys with Dusty Springfield, and ‘Lead Me On’ by Maxine Nightingale. Willis has collaborated with hundreds of leading artists and composers from all fields of music, including Bob Dylan, Patti LaBelle, James Brown, Herbie Hancock, Deniece Williams, and Motown legend Lamont Dozier.”
(April 2015/1)
