Who Wrote the “Movin’ On Up” Anthem for The Jeffersons
The unforgettable theme song of The Jeffersons, “Movin’ On Up,” remains one of television’s most beloved and recognizable tunes. Airing from 1975 to 1985, The Jeffersons chronicled the lives of George Jefferson (Sherman Hemsley) and his wife, Louise (Isabel Sanford), as they transitioned from modest beginnings in Queens to the heights of Manhattan’s high society. But behind the catchy melody and uplifting lyrics was a creative force whose story is as remarkable as the song itself.
A Creative Force in Television
The song’s creator was Jeannette Theresa DuBois, more commonly known as Ja’Net DuBois. Born in Brooklyn, New York, DuBois was a versatile actress and singer who began making waves in the entertainment industry in the 1960s. She first gained prominence with her role in the 1966 film A Man Called Adam, which starred Sammy Davis Jr. Her talent and charisma soon led her to notable roles on television, including a memorable performance on the short-lived soap opera Love of Life and guest spots on shows like Sanford and Son and Shaft.
DuBois is perhaps best known for her role as Willona Woods on the hit sitcom Good Times, where she played the stylish and outspoken neighbor to Florida Evans (Esther Rolle) and took in a young, abused child named Penny, played by Janet Jackson. Her portrayal of Willona Woods was a classic, but DuBois’s creative ambitions extended beyond acting.
Crafting a Television Classic
By the mid-1970s, DuBois was ready to explore new creative avenues. She collaborated with pop music songwriter Jeff Barry, who was renowned for his work in the 1950s and 1960s, having co-written hits like “Chapel of Love,” “River Deep, Mountain High,” “Do Wah Diddy Diddy,” and “Be My Baby.” Together, DuBois and Barry crafted “Movin’ On Up,” the theme song for The Jeffersons.
The song’s lyrics encapsulated the show’s central theme: the Jeffersons’ journey from humble beginnings to a luxurious new life in Manhattan. The song’s upbeat, celebratory nature mirrored the optimism and success of the characters it represented:A Personal Tribute
The song held personal significance for DuBois. Her daughter, Kesha Gupta-Fields, revealed that the song was written as a tribute to DuBois’s mother, Lilian DuBois. It was a promise that DuBois made to her mother—to achieve a level of stardom that would enable her to live comfortably, just as the Jeffersons did in the song’s lyrics. “That was written and sung as a gift to her mother,” Gupta-Fields said after DuBois’s passing in 2020. The lyrics reflected DuBois’s own experience of helping her family rise up and achieve their dreams.
DuBois’s Legacy
DuBois’s career continued to thrive through the 1970s and 1980s with roles on Kojak, The Love Boat, and The Facts of Life. She also appeared in the early 1990s on A Different World and Beverly Hills, 90210. Even as her acting career flourished, she remained connected to her musical roots, and her work on The Jeffersons became a lasting part of her legacy.
In her later years, DuBois made guest appearances on shows like The Steve Harvey Show and Crossing Jordan, and acted in films such as Charlie’s Angels: Full Throttle. Her final film role was in She’s Got a Plan in 2016.
DuBois’s final years were marked by a memorable return to the spotlight when she, along with her Good Times co-stars Bern Nadette Stanis and Jimmie Walker, appeared on Live in Front of a Studio Audience in 2019. The special recreated episodes of popular shows from the 1970s and 1980s, including an episode of The Jeffersons where Jennifer Hudson performed the theme song DuBois had written decades earlier.
A Lasting Impact
Ja’Net DuBois passed away on February 17, 2020, at her home in Glendale, California, at the age of 74. Her contributions to television and music left an indelible mark on both industries. “Movin’ On Up” remains a testament to her creativity and talent, and its joyful, aspirational message continues to resonate with audiences.
DuBois’s legacy is not just in her memorable roles but also in her ability to blend music and television in ways that continue to inspire and entertain. The story of “Movin’ On Up” is a reminder of how art can capture personal aspirations and universal themes, leaving a lasting impact on the world.
