Questlove said the meaning behind the song “September” by Earth, Wind & Fire while promoting a new documentary about the band.

The project highlights the legacy of one of the most influential groups in music history. By exploring the inspiration behind their hits, the film aims to provide a deeper understanding of the band's artistic process and cultural impact.

During an appearance on The Tonight Show, the musician and drummer for The Roots discussed the specific origins of “September.” He said the platform was used to build anticipation for the upcoming film, which is an HBO original production [3].

The documentary is scheduled for its world premiere on June 3, 2026 [1]. The event will take place at the Beacon Theatre in New York as part of the Tribeca Film Festival. This festival is slated to run from June 3 to June 14, 2026 [2].

Questlove has a history of documenting musical legends, and this latest effort focuses on the complex arrangements, and spiritual themes associated with Earth, Wind & Fire. While some early summaries of the project mentioned varying subtitles, the film's primary focus remains the band's enduring influence on the global music scene.

The premiere at the Beacon Theatre serves as a centerpiece for the opening night of the festival. The production brings together archival footage and new insights into how the band achieved its signature sound. The collaboration with HBO ensures a wide distribution following the initial festival run in New York.

“The documentary is scheduled for its world premiere on June 3, 2026.”

The premiere of an HBO-backed documentary at a major venue like the Beacon Theatre indicates a high-profile attempt to canonize Earth, Wind & Fire's contribution to American music. By leveraging the Tribeca Film Festival, the production seeks to bridge the gap between classic R&B history and modern audiences through Questlove's curation.