The day the music didn't die

Elvis lives! The King is one of several stars – among them Miles Davis and Dean Martin – who have been resurrected to perform posthumous duets.

from the October 12, 2007 edition

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Miles Davis's nephew, Vince Wilburn Jr., says the trumpeter's remix EP, "Evolution of the Groove," which came out in August, was a similar bid "to reach a wider, younger audience." Its five tracks feature hip-hop artist Nas, guitarist Carlos Santana, and Mr. Wilburn himself on drums. He says the reception has been mostly positive. So much so that there are plans for a Miles Davis hip-hop duet tribute album, with possible appearances by Kanye West, Jay-Z, and Q-Tip of A Tribe Called Quest.

Of course not everyone is thrilled with the concept. "There're a couple of jazz purists who didn't dig it," admits Wilburn.

Similarly, the 2005 "Notorious B.I.G. Duets," which paired the murdered rapper with hip-hop stars such as Eminem, Jay-Z, R. Kelly, and Mary J. Blige, is just one example of a release unpopular with critics and fans alike.

Asked if she'd consider partnering her legendary stepbrother, Jimi, with a living musician, Janie Hendrix's answer is unequivocal: No. "We kind of look at it as the karaoke version of playing with Jimi," says Ms. Hendrix, CEO of Experience Hendrix. "We try to keep things as authentically correct and as pure as possible"

Mr. DeRogatis of the Sun-Times is a bit blunter is his critique. "There's no two ways around the mercenary aspect of live musicians with dubious connections to the dead flaunting their stuff," he says. "It's all really 'Wizard of Oz,' except behind the curtain is not a little man, but a corpse."

He concedes, "The technology is astounding. We can do anything." But adds, "It doesn't mean we should."

While many fans can't seem to get enough of such collaborations, plenty echo DeRogatis's cry for authenticity.

In recent weeks wholly unconfirmed rumors have swirled that Britney Spears's "comeback" will include a collaboration with none other than Marilyn Monroe. The reports have Monroe fans in a tizzy.

"Leave Marilyn Monroe alone Britney!!!!," implores one post on a website announcing the rumor. "Let Marilyn rest in peace. She had talent, you don't!"

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