Wonder, Legend, Monae Plan Celebration For Marvin Gaye's 'What’s Going on'

Soul/R&B legend Marvin Gaye will be celebrated by some of the genres biggest stars this summer. In honor of Gaye’s classic album, ‘What’s Going On,’ musicians like Stevie Wonder, Janelle Monae and John Legend & The Roots will stage tribute concerts to celebrate his work.

2011 marks the 40th anniversary of the 1971 release of Gaye's landmark album, ‘What's Going On.’ To kick things off, John Legend and The Roots band will re-create Gaye's songs backed by the National Symphony Orchestra at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C. on May 3rd and 4th, which also honors Gaye’s performance at the same venue on 1 May 1972.

Later in the Summer, Steve Wonder, joined by newcomer Janelle Monae and Rickey Minor, will stage a 'What's Going On' tribute concert in California. The anniversary event will take place at the Hollywood Bowl in Los Angeles on July 24th.

Thanks for the info.

TheDigitalGardener said:

Thanks for the info.

No prob.

I don't know, this could be ok but more likely I think it will be a train wreck. Those songs are so familiar with those vocals/arrangements/production, in a modern live setting it will be nearly impossible for them not to be butchered.

rialb said:

I don't know, this could be ok but more likely I think it will be a train wreck. Those songs are so familiar with those vocals/arrangements/production, in a modern live setting it will be nearly impossible for them not to be butchered.

True lol I got weary when I read the news.

rialb said:

I don't know, this could be ok but more likely I think it will be a train wreck.

There was that version of the title song with Puff Daddy, Gwen Stefani, Nona Gaye, etc.

MickyDolenz said:

rialb said:

I don't know, this could be ok but more likely I think it will be a train wreck.

There was that version of the title song with Puff Daddy, Gwen Stefani, Nona Gaye, etc.

You're not making me feel any more optimistic about this whole enterprise.

rialb said:

MickyDolenz said:

There was that version of the title song with Puff Daddy, Gwen Stefani, Nona Gaye, etc.

You're not making me feel any more optimistic about this whole enterprise.

Timmy84 said:

rialb said:

I don't know, this could be ok but more likely I think it will be a train wreck. Those songs are so familiar with those vocals/arrangements/production, in a modern live setting it will be nearly impossible for them not to be butchered.

True lol I got weary when I read the news.

when legend and the roots did that covers album, i thought it would be interesting, since the roots are a tight band, and legend could play some keys. HOWEVER! i noticed that half of the original members of the roots are missing (where have i been?). the record was dreadful, and they sounded as if they were phoning it in.

i'm also not into janelle monet at all... i find her quite boring. so i think the project is a terrible idea. now... if you kept STEVIE (playing most to all the instruments), put nona gaye and lalah hathaway on it- THEN you'll get me to listen! and if you can find a bassist who comes somewhat close to jamerson's style (good luck!), then i'm all ears. maybe they should find bob babbitt, who actually did play on 'what's going on'...

and STEVIE with an orchestra= amazing.

[Edited 4/15/11 1:01am]

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[Edited 5/8/18 16:54pm]