A veteran of MoTown, a sensitive man equipped with a heavy heart, and an artist in every right of the soul, Marvin Gaye is celebrated today for his golden 76th. Born on the April 2, 1939 in Washington, D.C., Marvin Pentz Gay Jr. was destined for greatness from his induction into the church, where his father taught him to play piano and sing in the choir.
From MoTown to solo artistry, Gaye’s sound is a staple in the dissertation of rhythm and blues and soul music. With themes of unrequited love, struggles planted in the cement of the inner city and a pained but hopeful spirit, Gaye’s musical truths resonate to this day. Acts such as G-Unit, Method Man, Mary J. Blige and Erick Sermon, to say the very least, have all sampled his genius to recreate songs with the same soul-filled feel. In music, in love, in solidarity, we remember the voice of Marvin Gaye and his influence on the sounds that we listen to today.
The playlist below is to eulogize his tremendous imprint on music and culture. Marvin’s probably up there harmonizing in the celestial clouds.
“Ain’t No Mountain High Enough” feat. Tammi Terrell (1967)
https://youtube.com/watch?v=Xz-UvQYAmbg
“You’re All I Need To Get By” feat. Tammi Terrell (1968)
“I Heard It Through the Grapevine” (1968)
“Inner City Blues” (1971)
“Trouble Man” (1972)
https://youtube.com/watch?v=NbHeNkqRWtI
“What’s Going On” (1972)
“Distant Lover” (1973)
“Let’s Get It On” (1973)
“Just To Keep You Satisfied” (1973)
“I Want You” (1976)
“Come Live With Me Angel” (1976)
“Soon I’ll Be Loving You Again” (1976)
“Got To Give It Up” (1977)
“Sexual Healing” (1982)
“Music” by Erick Sermon and Marvin Gaye (2001)
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