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Earth, Wind & Fire’s timeless hit “September” is back on the Billboard Hot 100.
The 1978 classic re-entered the chart at No. 45 on the Billboard Hot 100 dated October 3, 2026. The return marks the song’s first appearance on the chart since March 1979, giving it a remarkable 47-year gap between chart appearances.
The song also reaches a new milestone with 18 total weeks on the Hot 100. Its return gives Earth, Wind & Fire their first Hot 100 appearance since “Sunday Morning” in 1993.
September makes a major chart comeback
“September” originally became a major hit after its 1978 release. The song eventually peaked at No. 8 on the Billboard Hot 100 and spent 17 weeks on the chart during its original run.
Now, nearly five decades later, the beloved dance classic has added another week to its chart history.
The song’s latest comeback follows another strong September. Every year, listeners return to the track around Sept. 21 because of its famous opening reference to the “21st night of September.”
That annual tradition has helped turn the song into a recurring cultural moment across social media and streaming platforms.
Streaming helped bring the classic back
The latest chart return came after a significant jump in the song’s U.S. activity.
During the Sept. 18–24 tracking period, “September” generated 6 million official U.S. streams. That represented a 51% increase from the previous week.
The song also recorded about 3,000 sales, marking a 236% increase. Its radio audience reached 3.3 million, more than doubling from the previous week.
Those numbers helped push the nearly 50-year-old recording back onto the Billboard Hot 100.
Earth, Wind & Fire return to the Hot 100
The comeback also marks a notable moment for Earth, Wind & Fire.
The group’s last Hot 100 appearance came with “Sunday Morning” in 1993. That song reached No. 53 on the Hot 100 and became the group’s most recent entry before “September” returned this year.
Earth, Wind & Fire have built one of the most recognizable catalogs in funk, soul and R&B. “September” remains among their most enduring recordings, and its recurring popularity continues to introduce the song to new generations.
The group’s catalog also received a boost during the latest resurgence. “Let’s Groove,” another signature Earth, Wind & Fire hit, saw its U.S. streams rise during the same period.
September proves its staying power
The latest Billboard appearance shows how a classic recording can return to the charts decades after its original run.
“September” has remained a staple at parties, weddings, celebrations and sporting events. Its annual September resurgence has also become part of internet culture.
This year, that tradition translated into a new Billboard milestone.
After 47 years away, “September” is dancing its way back onto the Hot 100, giving Earth, Wind & Fire another chapter in their chart history.
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Source: Billboard, Billboard Hip-Hop, Parade.
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