The solitary R&B singer performed live at the Bonnaroo Music & Arts Festival after twelve years of (public) absence from the United States. He made an appearance on Sunday morning a couple weeks ago, surprising thousands of fans during the Ahmir “Questlove” Thompson’s Superjam session. Thompson said: “I’ve been waiting 12 years to say this – ladies and gentlemen, D’Angelo!,” and the crowd began to shout instantly.
The last time D’Angelo performed in the US was in 2000. His recent appearance was a prelude to his upcoming performance at the Essence Music Festival and a European tour.
D’Angelo and his band gave a 90-minute jam session which included: Jimi Hendrix’s “Have You Ever Been to Electric Ladyland,” Parliament Funkadelic’s “Funky Dollar Bill,” Led Zeppelin’s “What Is and What Should Never Be,” and The Beatles’ “She Came in Through the Bathroom Window.” However, he did not play any new music.
The crowd cheered: “One more song! One more song!”, but Thompson told the fans that there was no more. D’ Angelo responded in an interview saying, “not yet.”
Not yet? So there is more to come! And we will find out what it is most certainly at the Essence Music Festival!
Op-Ed: Music Is Good For Your Mental Health
Listening to music has other benefits, such as finding the words to put to what you are feeling. Sometimes it is hard for people to figure out what is going on inside of them, and music is something most people can relate to with a vast number of different genres and styles. It makes it easier to talk and figure out who you are as a person. Music can support people throughout all stages of life. It is proven that mothers that sing to their newborn babies and infants have a better relationship, and it is central to infants feeling pleasure at the beginning of their life. This attribute continues to grow with us as we get older, and music still holds beneficial capabilities. Music is an entry into another world where you might not feel as alone. It can help people connect through learning instruments or coming together to sing. Music also helps your brain build capacity and connections which helps you stay more alert and aware of your emotions.
