Songwriter Allee Willis, who was the brilliant musical mind behind generations of memorable hits, has died at age 72.
Willis suffered a fatal heart attack on Christmas Eve and her partner Prudence Fenton shared the tragic news with a photo on Instagram.
"Rest In Boogie Wonderland," the caption said alongside the photo of Willis standing in front of the iconic Motown sign in Detroit, Michigan
"Boogie Wonderland" was one of several hits Willis co-wrote with Earth, Wind & Fire, along with "September and "In the Stone."
One of the most notable hits that Willis co-wrote was the upbeat riff and chart-dominating "Friends" theme song, "I'll Be There For You," which was recorded by the pop duo The Rembrandts.
(MORE: Leonard Cohen, Legendary Singer-Songwriter, Has Died)Willis won Grammys for her contributions to the "Beverly Hills Cop" soundtrack and the original cast album for the Broadway production of "The Color Purple."
Among her other hits, Patti Labelle's "Stir It Up," Taylor Dane's "Tell it To My Heart," The Pointer Sisters' "Neutron Dance" and "What Have I Done to Deserve This" by the Pet Shop Boys and Dusty Springfield.
Tributes have poured in for the eccentric, creative genius from her friends and fans around the music world.
Allee Willis was a one-of-a-kind creative genius. Her love, spirit and artistry are forever woven into the fabric and legacy of Earth, Wind & Fire.
— Earth, Wind & Fire (@EarthWindFire) December 25, 2019
She will be sorely missed.
Rest in Love
(pictured here with our Maurice White) pic.twitter.com/wiEEqC4xqc
The Pointer Sisters tweeted their "Gratitude & respect for her work & fun, festive & artistic personality."
Hit making songwriter ALLEE WILLIS has passed away. Condolences to friends, family and fans. Gratitude & respect for her work & fun, festive & artistic personality. Among some of the songs of hers we recorded was our oh so fun & loved NEUTRON DANCE ❤️❤️❤️😢. pic.twitter.com/wRcFT8vXkb
— The Pointer Sisters (@PointerOfficial) December 25, 2019
Willis was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2018.
