WHAT’S GOING ON DEVON GILFILLIAN’S INTERPRETATION OF THE ICONIC MARVIN GAYE ALBUM IS OUT TODAY
Tune In October 23, For Gilfillian’s #PlayAtHome Performance On The Late Show With Stephen Colbert
The record is a perfect fit for Gilfillian’s smooth and soulful voice and it points toward ways to navigate the social and political chaos we’re experiencing today.
Capitol Records released What’s Going On Devon Gilfillian’s interpretation of Marvin Gaye’s landmark 1971 album. Download / stream HERE and order the vinyl edition HERE. He’ll celebrate the album’s release with a #PlayAtHome Performance for The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, October 23.
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. Jasmine Cephas Jones, who was a member of the original Broadway cast of Hamilton and starred in #FreeRayshawn, features on the title track. Listen to Whatߣs Going On HERE.
When sitting down to learn What’s Going On on my way to a protest, I broke down crying, recalls 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.
Ethiopia Habtemariam, President of Motown Records and Executive Vice President of Capitol Music Group, says, 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.
Rolling Stone recently named Gaye’s What’s Going On as the greatest album of all time. Gilfillian’s project was born from his mission to bring people together, further the conversation on racial injustice and raise voter awareness. It’s a natural follow-up to the message established in his top five AAA radio hit The Good Life and his recently launched The Good Life Fund, which supports organizations that are doing good in the world.
Gilfillian’s version of Mercy Mercy Me (The Ecology) was Music Choice’s Most Added Adult Alternative Song of the Week. View the official video HERE. Inner City Blues (Make Me Wanna Holler) was featured on KCRW’s Morning Becomes Eclectic playlist.
Earlier this month, Gilfillian and his band played What’s Going On in its entirety during a livestream concert that benefited The Equity Alliance. Nashville Scene noted, Gilfillian & Co.’s 90-minute set served as a reminder of how great art can simultaneously address the moment in which it was created and have an impact that lasts long after that time passes.
Gilfillian’s debut album, Black Hole Rainbow, was released by Capitol Records earlier this year. The New York Times praised it as a formidable debut album and The Tennessean declared it one of the best albums released this year, period. Black Hole Rainbow also won a spot on Iowa Public Radio’s list of The Best New Albums (So Far) Of 2020.
He performed the national anthem at NASCAR 2020 on the day they banned the Confederate flag. 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 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. 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)
9. Inner City Blues (Make Me Wanna Holler)
