Sometimes the social media and internet chatter about an artist veer so far off course that a correction is needed. A case in point: the late, great Marvin Gaye.
A Google search of Marvin’s name pulls up and is dominated by countless articles focused on the controversial “Blurred Lines” copyright litigation brought recently by his estate, disputes over attempted biopics of his life, and the circumstances of his untimely death over three decades ago at his father’s hand. The man’s artistry and brilliance are at risk of getting buried in this noise, and it’s high time we “refocus” the conversation about him for the benefit of current and future generations. Few artists can match his contributions and importance to soul music.
Marvin’s track record as a recording artist is of course legendary, with multiple high-charting singles and top-selling albums over his 20 plus year career. But as good as those recordings are, to truly appreciate Marvin’s gifts as a singer, songwriter, and musician, there is no substitute for seeing him live. The video below of Marvin performing his hit “What’s Going On” in 1972 shows him at the very height of his powers. On full display here are his elegant, jazzy piano playing, his three-octave vocal range, his ability effortlessly to change up the music and vocals from the studio recording, and last, but not least, his ability to write hit music with a social conscience (the track reached #2 on the Billboard Hot 100).
Enjoy. And we hope that when next you are engaged in conversation about Marvin, you’ll steer it back to this legacy, the music!
By Robb Patryk
