Devon Gilfillian
Oct 23, 2020
It has been almost 50 years since Marvin Gaye released his masterpiece, What’s Going On.” And it’s lasting legacy is quite clear as the songs address subjects that are as relevant today as they were back then.
“When sitting down to learn What’s Going On on my way to a protest, I broke down crying,” said Devon Gilfillian. “The words written 50 years ago rang so true and clear in that moment. I decided then and there I wanted to rerecord the entire album, learn it closely, feel every word, every melody, every instrument.”
Gilfillian recruited a stellar group of artists to collaborate with him, including Emmy and Grammy-winning artist Jasmine Cephas Jones and Grammy nominee Ruby Amanfu. Other contributors included Joy Oladokun, Jamila Woods, Jason Eskridge, Kyshona Armstrong, Nickie Conley, A.J. Haynes, Emoni Wilkins and DAVIE.
Standout selections from the project include “Mercy Mercy Me (The Ecology),” “Inner City Blues (Make Me Wanna Holler),” “What's Happening Brother,” “Save The Children” and the title track.
Motown Records President and Exec. VP/Capitol Music Group Ethiopia Habtemariam, said, “The release of Marvin Gaye’s What’s Going On marked not only a pivotal moment in Motown history but in our nation’s history. Devon’s recording is deeply moving and demonstrates how these iconic songs are providing hope and inspiration to a new generation that is similarly committed to change and unity.”
In early October, Gilfillian and his band played What’s Going On in its entirety during a livestream concert that benefited The Equity Alliance – it can still be viewed here. He just did an #PlayAtHome Performance for “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert.”
Learn more at www.devongilfillian.com.
Photo Credit: Jacqueline Day