Photo: (Bryan Whitson)
Same song, same place, same soulful effect ... different generation. John Legend surprised dozens of high school students on Tuesday by singing "What's Going On?" -- the iconic jam Marvin Gaye first performed at the Kennedy Center 40 years ago. A lot has changed in 40 years. A lot of change still needs to come.
Check out the video of Legend surprising the students at Ellington High School of the Arts in Washington, DC. BEYOND cute!
After John's surprise, he headed to the Kennedy Center in DC with the students in tow and sang "What's Going On" and man, did he kill it! The show was in honor of the Kennedy Center's new art and media campaign, What's Going On ... NOW?, an initiative designed to creatively bring social issues to the forefront of your conversation. 'Cuz when you talk 'bout social issues, you're spreading the good word, right? On the site, you can upload photos, poems, stories, videos, songs or artwork illustrating issues and ideas that Gaye sang about in "What's Going On" that are still relevant today like poverty, the environment, addiction or veterans issues.
If you submit your work you might score a chance to kick it with Legend too! Two particpants who upload their digital work to the site will be picked to attend a May concert featuring John Legend, Sharon Jones and The Dap-Kings and other musicians. The show is to celebrate the 40th anniversary of Gaye’s epic performance at the Kennedy Center, back in 1962.
So submit something 'cuz you just might be singing on stage with John Legend too!!
actTAKE ACTION!
What's Going On ... NOW?
Upload your art that illustrates issues and ideas that Gaye sang about in "What's Going On" and win a chance to see John Legend perform!
