Ode to “The Prince of Motown”
Marvin Pentz Gay Jr., better known as Marvin Gaye, is by far one of my all-time favorite crooners (for this reason I’m going to keep this post light because I could literally go on and on about him). I know I’m not alone, as the musical icon has inspired many of today’s artists. If you listen closely, ever now and then, you may hear a sample from one of his songs or a reference to him and/or his lyrics.
With his chill-inducing voice of a three-octave range and his emotionally passionate songwriting (he was also an instrumentalist), Marvin was responsible for at least 21 Top Ten Singles in the U.S. and Europe and 9 Top Ten Albums, deserving his given nickname, "The Prince of Motown." Beginning in the 60s, he released such memorable singles as “How Sweet It Is (To Be Loved By You),” “I Heard It Through the Grapevine,” “What’s Going On,” “Let’s Get It On,” and “Sexual Healing” just to name a few. Now I can’t mention the singles without mentioning a few of Marvin’s albums, which are CLASSICS and “MUST-HAVES” for any music collector; I Want You, Let’s Get It On, and What’s Going On are albums that belong in your collection, if not, you’re committing a crime! By the way, What’s Going On is one of his best-known works to date. In comparison to other albums, he broke away from his earlier Motown work in terms of using a funk/jazz-influenced sound and his personal lyrical content. Adding in my 2¢, What’s Going On is one of THE BEST and MOST IMPORTANT soul albums, as well as concept albums ever made!
I urge you all to learn more about Marvin Gaye, his music, life, legacy, tributes, and achievements. Click here to get started. I’ve also put together a playlist of Marvin’s songs along with the artists that sampled them, including Jay-Z, ("American Dreamin," which is one of the hottest sampled tracks on his album American Gangster) Mos Def ("Modern Marvel" from the album New Danger), and Kanye West ("Spaceship" from the album The College Drop Out). As I mentioned in the beginning of the post, Marvin continues to influence today’s artists, so you may hear a sample or two of Gaye’s hits.
Enjoy!!
Marvin Gaye
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3 comments:
Ahhh, "What's Goin' On" - you're so right, one of the all time best! He also did the soundtrack for a movie - darn, can't remember the name, Nicole Kidman and Sandra Bullock played witches. I'm fairly certain it was Marvin on the soundtrack - I have the cd "somewhere".........Anyway he's a true classic!
"Distant Lover....."
AAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!
Love that. Marvin Gaye, what can I say. He sang his soul and it had a profound impact on so many. Whether singing about politics or love, he makes my heart swoon.
another great post and new great songs for me to download.
Hey, you should find a job in a magazine. You have the talent
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