“E Pluribus Unum” is a soul-stirring rally cry to unite all Americans written, produced, and arranged by Stephens. Latin for “out of many, we are one,” the song’s message and lyric foundation anchor its eligibility for Song of the Year. “E Pluribus Unum” is also eligible for Best Americana Performance, Best Arrangement with Instruments and Vocals, and Best Music Video.
Mixing R&B, gospel, and traditional pop, “E Pluribus Unum” is lavish, sweeping, and dramatic, featuring Stephens, vocalists Amin El and Tata Vega, a rhythm section, an 8-piece horn section, and a 5-person choir. Orchestrally rich, the sound of the single is as inspiring as the song’s message.
“The lyric that captures the song’s ethos is ‘with every color under the sun, out of many, we are one,’” said Stephens. "I wrote and recorded this song as a celebration of America’s enduring ideals – freedom, opportunity, and justice for all. This song champions our national motto, E Pluribus Unum.”
Adding emotional magnitude to the arrangement, Stephens introduces the voice of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. at the midpoint to recite a portion of his iconic “I Have A Dream” speech, which becomes the emotional apex of the arrangement.
Stephens’s intention for his single and video is not to politicize.
Via inspirational and empowering music along with a montage of uniquely American images tracing the nation’s ideals across landmarks, civic rituals, historical moments, and everyday citizens, “E Pluribus Unum” reminds Americans of our shared ideals, the freedoms that bind us, and the diverse thread that makes America strong, rich, and united.
E Pluribus Unum has been America’s motto since 1776 when it was included on the Great Seal proposed by John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, and Thomas Jefferson.
Stephens recently released the first single, “Golden Hour,” from his forthcoming It’s A Great Day album, which is slated to drop in November. He collaborates on the collection of jazz and R&B tunes with Larry Carlton, Vinnie Colaiuta, Everette Harp, Allen Hinds, Sekou Bunch, Melvin Lee Davis, and Kaz Rodriguez.
Stephens 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 diverse résumé includes work with Chaka Khan, Diana Ross, James Ingram, David Sanborn, Stanley Clarke, Take 6, and George Duke.
Listen to and watch “E Pluribus Unum” at https://www.markstephensmusic.com/for-your-consideration.
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