By Tam Music 
About the song
The Dukes of September – Live at Lincoln Center (2012): A Historic Night of Soul, Sophistication, and Pure Musical Joy
Some concerts entertain. Others define eras.
But The Dukes of September – Live at Lincoln Center (2012) did something rarer: it united three legends—Donald Fagen, Michael McDonald, and Boz Scaggs—into one of the finest live revues ever put on an American stage. Broadcast on PBS, the performance became an instant classic, capturing a night where nostalgia, elegance, and musical mastery blended into something unforgettable.
This wasn’t just a show—it was a celebration of American soul, R&B, jazz, and rock history, presented by three artists whose voices shaped the soundtrack of multiple generations.
A Supergroup Unlike Any Other
The Dukes of September began as an evolution of the “New York Rock & Soul Revue,” but by 2012, they had become something far greater. Fagen, McDonald, and Scaggs brought not only their own hits, but a reverence for the classic records that inspired them.
At Lincoln Center, these worlds collided in spectacular fashion:
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Fagen’s jazz-rock intelligence
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McDonald’s silky blue-eyed soul
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Scaggs’s smooth blues and R&B elegance
Three distinct musical universes—perfectly aligned for one night.
Donald Fagen: The Architect of Cool
Donald Fagen opened the show with a swagger only he can conjure. His voice—dry, sly, unmistakably Steely Dan—set the tone with his rendition of “Kid Charlemagne.”
At Lincoln Center, Fagen was in peak form:
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precise on the keys
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sharp in delivery
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playful with the audience
He navigated complex arrangements with the same energy he brought to Steely Dan’s finest tours. Watching Fagen lead the horn section through razor-tight breaks felt like watching a master conductor command a jazz orchestra.
His highlight of the night?
“Reelin’ in the Years”—reimagined with a soulful groove that breathed new life into the classic.
Michael McDonald: A Velvet Voice That Can Lift an Entire Hall
When Michael McDonald stepped forward, Lincoln Center transformed.
His unmistakable baritone—rich, emotional, both thunderous and tender—filled the space with instant warmth.
McDonald’s standout moments included:
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“What a Fool Believes” — delivered with a power and clarity fans hadn’t heard in years
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“I Keep Forgettin’” — pure soul, dripping with groove
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backups and harmonies that deepened everyone else’s performances
Watching McDonald and Fagen sing together was a highlight in itself—two titans merging styles in perfect symmetry.
Boz Scaggs: The Underrated Secret Weapon
Boz Scaggs doesn’t command a stage with flash—he does it with subtlety and craftsmanship. At Lincoln Center, he was the elegant anchor of the trio.
His performances of:
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“Lowdown”
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“Lido Shuffle”
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and the blues-soaked “Loan Me a Dime”
brought both polish and emotional heft. Scaggs floated through each melody with effortless finesse, proving yet again why he remains one of America’s most respected vocalists.
His guitar playing—smooth, tasteful, full of feel—was a reminder that he’s not just a voice, but a complete musician.
A Band of World-Class Musicians
The Dukes of September were backed by an elite ensemble—horns, percussion, backup singers, and rhythm section—that elevated every moment of the show. These weren’t just sidemen; they were virtuosos.
Highlights included:
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a horn section straight out of a Stax or Motown dream
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backup vocalists who added sparkle and gospel fire
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percussion and keys that brought every Motown classic to life
Together, they transformed Lincoln Center into a time machine of American music.
A Setlist That Spanned Decades of Greatness
The beauty of the Dukes of September is that they didn’t simply perform their own hits—they honored the records that shaped their lives.
The Lincoln Center concert included:
Classics from the trio’s own catalogs
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“Peg”
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“Lowdown”
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“Takin’ It to the Streets”
Soul & R&B treasures
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“You Never Can Tell”
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“I Heard It Through the Grapevine”
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“Sweet Soul Music”
Unexpected gems
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“Whispering Pines” by The Band
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“Miss Sun”
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“I’m Not in Love”
Every song felt like a love letter to American music.
A Night Where Time Stood Still
What made this performance extraordinary wasn’t just the music—it was the chemistry.
Fagen, McDonald, and Scaggs never overshadowed one another.
They shared the spotlight with humility, humor, and decades of friendship.
Their joy was genuine.
Their respect for the music was palpable.
Their connection to the audience was electric.
Fans still call this concert:
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“one of the greatest PBS performances ever recorded,”
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“the best live tribute to American soul and R&B,”
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“the night three legends acted like fans of each other.”
Because that’s exactly what they were—friends celebrating the music they loved.
A Final Reflection
The Dukes of September – Live at Lincoln Center (2012) is more than a concert film. It is a masterclass in musicianship, a celebration of America’s musical heritage, and a rare moment when three legendary voices blend into something timeless.
It captures an era, honors a past, and reminds us why these artists matter.
For many fans, it remains one of the most joyful, soulful, and musically rich performances of the 21st century.
And like all great music,
it never gets old.