“What’s Going On: Marvin Gaye’s Anthem for the Ages” featuring Give A Note Artist Ambassador Devon Gilfillian

Last night we had the pleasure of hosting Give A Note Artist Ambassador, Devon Gilfillian, in a Clubhouse discussion about the impact of Black American music in our lives and art, moderated by Jeff Coffin. Along with Cremaine Booker, Emmanuel Echem, Jovan Quallo, Raymond James Mason, Roy “Futureman” Wooten, and other incredible musicians, Devon shared with us the Black musicians who have influenced his path in music and life. While Devon was familiar with it, the significance of Marvin Gaye’s iconic “What’s Going On” didn’t really sink into his soul until the protest marches last summer.

Devon dives deeper into his experience in the first episode of “What’s Going On: Marvin Gaye’s Anthem for the Ages,” hosted by Don Lemon, a special report series on CNN.

“He’s saying everything, mother, mother, there’s too many of us crying, brother brothers, too many of us dying. Father, we don’t need to escalate. War is not the answer,” Gilfillian said. “It hurt to sing those words. I was legitimately sad and upset and angry.”

We’re honored to have Devon as an Artist Ambassador and advocate for equity and inclusion in music education and beyond.

“I think the next generation has the power to absolutely change this world because they don’t give a damn, they see something that’s wrong and they’re like, that’s wrong. And they point it out.”

You can read more about the CNN special report series and Devon’s feature in this CNN Article.