Marvin Gaye: Silky Soul Singer
"...We're all sensitive peopleWith so much to give
Understand me, sugar
Since we got to be here
Let's live
I love you..."
Let's Get It On~Motown 1973
Marvin Pentz Gay, Jr. was born on April 2, 1939 in Washington, D.C. Marvin Gaye died on April 1, 1984 after an altercation with his father. The altercation ended when Marvin Sr. pulled out a gun and shot his son twice in the chest. [Time of death: 1:01 pm] Marvin Gaye, an American Music icon and Motown legend. Peace~
Side story: My uncle, Merrill "Boogie" Owens, [now deceased] nearly wrecked his vehicle when he heard the news on the radio about Marvin Gayes' death. He pulled over to the side of the road that afternoon and sobbed.
Photo Credit: http://www.thelincolntheatre.org/
Comments
One evening after coming home from school. I heard my mother, who was a no-nonsense Christian woman, singing "Sexual Healing" while she was vacuuming the house. I don't think she knew I was at the door or that anyone could hear her singing.
I left the door and came back home twenty minutes later so that she wouldn't be embarrassed and could enjoy Marvin to herself.
That was the power of his music.
Blessings,
Geoffrey
lol! :)I can almost see it. That's cool. Thanks for sharing that story.
One of my favorite line from MG is "but who are they to judge us. Simply because our hair is long." ~ What's going on.
Peace,
Bygbaby
Yeah, I was in high school. I remember when he died, but I don't remember the moment. This was a different story with Phyllis Hyman. I remember the moment.
Yes, I can imagine. Marvin loved Detroit more than he loved his hometown of DC.
ooh...I like that! :-)
Side note to Geoffrey Philp: Great story.
"...grape fruit..." still soundin' in my mind! ;-D
Anyway, I'm doing a sketch contest on a blog and I desperately need your vote to win! :-D
May you come to my blog and see?
Just 5 minutes...
Ciao
Fab
Yes, Ms. Hyman was a definite lost. I would've loved to see her now.
Rethabile-
I believe that too. Thanks for that. Khotso
Zapped-
Yes, it was really felt here in DC because everyone was so proud of him as a native son. It was felt everywhere though. Thank you.
Susan-
Is Marvin talking to you? :)
Bronze-
I need to sit down and really listen to Kem. He reminded me of Jarreau when I first heard him. Thanks.
Klara-
Sad indeed. Thanks.
MJW-
Thanks. David Ritz wrote and excellent book on him called Divided Soul. I love that book. Have you been to the Bagel shop lately? :)
Fab-
Thanks. Yes, I'll stop over.
:)I'm sure that it is a pleasant one. Be easy bro.
When the Marvin saga begun
But what really got me
Was who shot him, you see
I just couldn't understand
What possessed the man?
What little does it take
For one's sanity to break?
At the end of an altercation
We mourned a talented musician.
One love, SB.
Hey!! Did you know that Wole Soyinka will be speaking and signing books at Bowie State University on 4/4/07??? I'm going to hear him speak! I'm so excited!!! =)
I still get sad at the way he died..what a waste of talent.
And I feel terrible for his father..I dont know the real facts of the whole situation...but to kill your own child..
Life has to be miserable
I would love to see Mr. Soyinka today, but I know I can't. I have plans. :( I wish I'd known earlier. Thanks anyway.
Cynnie-
Hello and welcome back. His father was charged, but let out on probation. It was largely due to his age at the time and his claim of self defense. He died a few years back. I think he was in a nursing home. Thanks.
Brea-
Yes! You know there's always going to be some Marvin at the cookouts and parties. :)
Isn't amazing how many black families across the globe can say the same. Music is powerful! This is why I dislike much of the stuff they're putting out these days. Thanks! :)
I wish I'd known earlier too! I had just found out like two days before. Anyway, I ended up not going! I forgot that I had to drive one of my friends to the doctor, who couldn't drive after having a particular procedure done. But oh well...there's always next time!