On this day, 27 years ago, the world learned of the untimely death of Marvin Gaye. I was a fifth-grader then and can recall where I was when I heard the news. My Dad and I stopped by his sister (my aunt) “EL“izabeth’s house for a quick visit. I remember the two of them discussing the details that were being reported. What struck me most, was the way the two of them talked about his music. Now mind you, there wasn’t much that I could contribute to their conversation since it was really only meant for grown folks. But that’s beside the point. As an 11-year old, I hadn’t been privy to many of his songs. That is…with the exception of one. Sexual Healing, which typically made young tween-agers like me giggle every single time it was played on 101.3FM (affectionately known to us locals as THE BIG DM).
Much can be said and remembered about Marvin Pentz Gay, Jr. Way more than I can ever recap in the virtual pages of this blog. Yet I find it nearly impossible to think of him without reflecting on some of the things he accomplished in his 44 years, plus 364 days of life. Marvin played the piano and the drums. He was crowned The Prince of Motown. He travelled, toured and lived in various places across the globe. Marvin sang some of the prettiest duets ever sung, and even penned an album that elevated the social consciousness of a generation. Posthumously, he has been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and has been repeatedly credited as one of the greatest singers of all time. MIND-BLOWING.
I’ve often wondered what kind of music we would’ve been gifted with, had Marvin lived longer. But thoughts like these lead me right back to his catalog, digging deeper into his lyrics and musicality. Undeniably talented was he… which explains why so many of us are still marveling about Marvin.
“…I felt the strong urge to write music and to write lyrics that would touch the souls of men.” —Marvin Gaye [April 2, 1939-April 1, 1984]
Until Next Time,
-TL
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