John Legend Covers the Beach Boys' 'God Only Knows'
After performing their moving cover of the Beach Boys’ 1966 classic “God Only Knows” at the 59th Annual Grammy Awards, John Legend and Cynthia Erivo have released the studio version of their duet.
Opening with an orchestral accompaniment, the familiar melody is sung by Legend. Soon, Erivo adds her soothing vocals over gentle piano keys on this stirring rendition. Last night, the duo harmonized together on the track, as part of the Grammys’ in memoriam tribute.
Legend, a 10-time Grammy winner, is no stranger to Music’s Biggest Night. Meanwhile, Erivo is a newcomer to the Grammys. Last night, she won her first gramophone for her work on The Color Purple, which earned the Best Musical Theater Album award.
Ahh, the strings by Y Music on this version are stunning. I love this song. Love this arrangement. https://t.co/oSFLkzuERg
— John Legend (@johnlegend) February 13, 2017
The evocative song was produced by Blake Mills, who also collaborated with John on his latest album Darkness and Light. “I really loved and was inspired by Alabama Shakes’ Sound & Color. I found out that Blake had produced it,” Legend told Billboard. “I’d heard his name before in musician circles, that he was a cool producer and guitarist. But I hadn’t really studied his work before. I asked if I could play him some music and see about working together. We met and he wasn’t repulsed by me, so we decided we could embark on this journey together.”
This isn’t the only new John Legend revamp. He also recently teamed up with Ariana Grande on a remake of the Beauty and the Beast theme song for the upcoming live action film.
#GRAMMYs: John Legend & Cynthia Erivo perform 'God Only Knows' during the in memoriam tribute https://t.co/IBjbEIfN8c pic.twitter.com/yIxZGiciV1
— The Hollywood Reporter (@THR) February 13, 2017