As the events of 2020 have unfolded, Devon Gilfillian has sought solace and solutions in music and found both in the timeless songs of Marvin Gaye’s 1971 album, What’s Going On, which took the No. 1 spot on Rolling Stone’s list of the “500 Greatest Albums of All Time,” published last week. Gilfillian has joined forces with a group of like-minded artists to bring fresh interpretations to the iconic album with his version of What’s Going On set for October 22 release on Capitol Records and tonight’s livestream concert, “There’s An Election Going On,” which will benefit Nashville-based grassroots non-profit The Equity Alliance.
Today, Gilfillian shared the track “Mercy Mercy Me (The Ecology)” and the accompanying video, which was shot during the sessions at Blackbird Studios in Nashville. Listen to “Mercy Mercy Me (The Ecology)” HERE and view the video HERE.
“I don’t have much political power, but I do have the power of music,” explains Devon Gilfillian. “I decided I wanted to learn the entirety of Marvin Gaye’s album, What’s Going On, and use that music to share the message that Marvin was trying to get across 50 years ago. Every word still rings with such relevance.”
In continuity with the message established in his top five AAA radio hit “The Good Life,” this project was born from Gilfillian’s mission to bring people together, further the conversation on racial injustice and raise voter awareness. The album features a host of guest collaborators, including Emmy and GRAMMY winning artist Jasmine Cephas Jones and GRAMMY nominee Ruby Amanfu. View the album trailer HERE. See below for track listing.
Livestream Concert TONIGHT
Tonight, Gilfillian and his band will be playing the album front-to-back, joined by special guests from around the country, who will play songs of love and freedom. Performers will include Aaron Lee Tasjan, Breland, Drew Holcomb, Emoni Wilkins, Grace Potter, Jason Eskridge, Jason Isbell, Joy Oladokun, Katie Pruitt, Kyshona Armstrong, Lera Lynn, Local Natives, The Lone Bellow, Marcus King, Nickie Conley and The War and Treaty. Presented in partnership with The Equity Alliance, Nugs.net, HeadCount.org, Luck Reunion and Newport Folk Festival, the livestream concert can be viewed at 8:00 PM ET tonight HERE. An online auction with guitars from Martin and Fender, prizes donated by Bose and more will take place alongside the event. 100% of auction proceeds will be donated to The Equity Alliance. For further details, click HERE. To register to vote or to check your registration status, click HERE.
Devon Gilfillian’s Previous Accomplishments
Gilfillian’s debut album, Black Hole Rainbow, was released by Capitol Records earlier this year. The Tennessean hailed it as “one of the best albums released this year, period.” It also won a spot on Iowa Public Radio’s list of “The Best New Albums (So Far) Of 2020.” The New York Times said, “Devon Gilfillian, a soul songwriter based in Nashville, made his formidable debut album, Black Hole Rainbow, with Shawn Everett warping vintage sounds toward something deep and strange.”
He performed the national anthem at NASCAR 2020 on the day they banned the Confederate flag. He recently launched The Good Life Fund, which supports organizations that are doing good in the world, including Give A Note Foundation and Rebuilding Together Nashville. Gilfillian has played numerous festivals, including Newport Folk and Montreal Jazz. He has supported such artists as Mavis Staples, Grace Potter, Local Natives, Lauren Daigle, KALEO, Michael McDonald, Chaka Kahn, Keith Urban, Gladys Knight, Brothers Osborne and Michael Franti & Spearhead.
Track Listing for Devon Gilfillian: What’s Going On
1. What’s Going On (feat. Jasmine Cephas Jones)
2. What’s Happening Brother (feat. Ruby Amanfu)
3. Flyin’ High (In The Friendly Sky) (feat. Joy Oladokun)
4. Save The Children (feat.&#a0;Jamila Woods & Jason Eskridge)
5. God Is Love (feat. Kyshona Armstrong)
6. Mercy Mercy Me (The Ecology)
7. Right On (feat. Nickie Conley & DAVIE)
8. Wholy Holy (feat. A.J. Haynes (The Seratones) & Emoni Wilkins)&#a0;
9. Inner City Blues (Make Me Wanna Holler)
