Grammy winning, Webby honoree, and Emmy nominated songwriter, artist, set designer, director, and collector Allee Willis(BA ’69, Journalism) recently discussed with Communication Arts students, faculty, and staff her more than thirty-year career in art.
Willis, whose hit songs include Earth, Wind & Fire’s “September” and “Boogie Wonderland,” The Pointer Sisters’ “Neutron Dance,” and The Rembrandts’ “I’ll Be There For You (Theme From Friends)” have sold more than 50 million records. Recently, Willis collaborated with Pomplamoose, an independent music duo with over 30,000,000 views on YouTube, to produce“Jungle Animal”, which became one of the most played videos in the world within hours.
A crowded Hamel Family Digital Media Lab hosted Willis as she described her early career in music, explained her vision of what defines art and artists, and advised students on how to best begin a career in multimedia art, animation, music, and social media. Willis also examined the future of these artistic industries as digital technology continues to develop in an informal conversation and discussion with those in attendance.
“If I had to live up to the standards of the entertainment and art businesses I may have had more hits, but I’d be a shell of a person for having to club my brain to death so I could stay within the lines.”
— Multimedia Artist Allee Willis, alleewillis.com