As America marks its 250th anniversary this week, GRAMMY®‑nominated composer‑keyboardist Mark Stephens releases a new single and video underscoring the common thread that binds Americans.
"I wrote this song as a celebration of American ideals. It's not about politics. It's about reminding us of the common thread that really unites us all here in America,” said Stephens. “We are a country that was formed by asserting our independence and declaring our freedom. Together, the diversity of the many is what makes the fabric of America strong and rich. With every color under the sun, out of many we are one.”
Stephens wrote, produced, and arranged the dramatic, rousing, and stirring “E Pluribus Unum,” Latin for “out of many, we are one.” Vocalists Amin El and Tata Vega voice the unifying anthem inspired by America’s motto from the Great Seal proposed by John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, and Thomas Jefferson in 1776. Blending R&B, pop, and gospel, the track is ornately orchestrated and illumined by a full band along with an eight-piece horn section. As the single reaches its midpoint climax, the voice of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. delivers a powerful excerpt from his iconic “I Have a Dream” speech.
“I sent the song with his speech in it to the King Center hoping for approval. I was thrilled when they got back to me agreeing to license it to me for use in the song. I was raised in the Pentecostal church, so I immediately identified with the cadence of Dr. King’s oratory speaking/preaching-style. I was inspired from that particular speech from early in my life,” said Stephens.
The “E Pluribus Unum” video quickly generated over 68,000 views since its YouTube premiere. The video shows a montage of uniquely American images that trace the nation’s ideals across landmarks, civic rituals, historical moments, and everyday citizens. Stephens explains, “The video honors our citizens who take an oath to protect and preserve our Constitution, including our military and those in our government who actively honor that oath. I included a picture of my father standing beside his old John Deere tractor as he was truly a great American and WWII veteran. It always makes me emotional to see that photo, and although that’s intensely personal, I hope it resonates.”
A top-drawer studio and touring musician, Stephens has performed on GRAMMY®-nominated projects by Boney James, Chris Botti, Josh Groban, and George Howard. He contributed to James’s Billboard No. 1 single “Powerhouse” and Alanis Morissette’s Billboard No. 1 album Under Rug Swept. His multi-genre résumé boasts playing with Chaka Khan, Diana Ross, James Ingram, David Sanborn, Stanley Clarke, Take 6, and George Duke. Stephens made his debut as a solo artist with 2011’s The Dream of the Peaceful Warrior album that features special guests Khan, Michael Brecker, Marcus Miller, Jonathan Butler, and the Andrae Crouch Singers.
Stephens is finishing work on his next album, It’s A Great Day, which is tentatively slated for release on September 11. It’s a contemporary jazz project that will feature Larry Carlton and Vinnie Colaiuta, among others. The first single from the collection, “Golden Hour,” is due September 4.
Watch the “E Pluribus Unum” video at https://youtu.be/wMUUftzxHis.
For more information, please visit www.markstephensmusic.net.
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