Dear Marvin,

On April 2, 1939 you came into the world with a destiny and a purpose. You were the child of a baptist minister. Marvin ,even as a child, you had a vision of what your destiny looked liked realized. You stated in a dream you had one night growing up that you looked out into a sea full of people and you heard a voice proclaim that you were "the world's greatest singer".... Wow, talking about a prophecy being fulfilled!!! You realized that you were A WONDERFUL ONE. You were very firm about your sexuality. Kids used to tease you because your last name was GAY. They would put a sign on the back of your back that said MARVIN IS GAY...they would laugh at thus making you feel bad. You wanted to be the black Frank Sinatra, you looked up too him a great deal. In fact once you signed with Motown one of your first albums for them was an album consisting of Sinatra like tunes. You wanted to croon, you wanted the ladies to swoon. You knew what you wanted even then. You eventually would add an e to your last name because of the ridicule you had to endure from kids in school. Even then, you and your boss Berry Gordy would bump head artistically. He had a vision of what he wanted to do with your career and you YOU had your way of doing things. Guess you were A STUBBORN KIND OF FELLOW. you had your mind made up that you were going to fuifill your goals....

Marvin, in the late 60's you had a huge number #1 hit with "I Heard It Through It Grapevine"(it was number #1 for 7 weeks). Even though they were several versions of the song. Yours sold the most copies..it was no doubt due the awesomeness and beauty of your voice. Marvin, your voice is one of the sweetest sounds known to man and Marvin if you were now to see how you've influenced so many artists in the R&B music world. Marvin it was you who dared to ask the question WHAT'S GOING ON????? Three minute love songs no longer appealed to you. You knew there were lots of problems out here that was plaguing our society. You talked to us about the ecology. You asked us to SAVE THE BABIES. These are issues that are very prevalent and potent NOW-A-DAYS. Marvin, you believe that spiriuality and sexuality were one total-inseparable entity altogether. It was you that made popular that phrase that all of us state when we want some good ole lovin...."LET'S GET IT ON"!!!!

So Marvin we GOT TO GIVE IT UP to you because you were an artist in every sense of the word. If someone truly wanted to know something about you, they could simply put on one of your albums. You even documented your divorce to your wife on record (HERE MY DEAR). But when the 80's approached, you got depressed. Things weren't so good for you. You were still having problems with your father. You were worrying about your place in music. Plus, you were having tax problems in America...so you went to Europe. You came back strong with an album whose impact is still being felt in the R&B community today "Midnight Love". You reenforce to us again the merging of the carnal and the spiritual with your classic "SEXUAL HEALING". To you,sex was not just wham-bam-thank-you- maam,it was spiriual nourishment. You FINALLY won your first yet long overdue grammy in 1983 for your smash song "Sexual Healing".

Just when we thought we has seen it all, you had one more miracle in store for us. You gave a controversial rhythmic soulful reading of our national anthem during the 1983 NBA ALL STAR GAME. Marvin you were one of a kind. A soulful genius, you were A TROUBLED MAN somewhat, but you were a genius. On April 1, 1984 me and my friends were leaving high school to go to the video arcade. I had put on my AM/FM radio walkman and heard the devastating news that your own father took you out. At first, I thought it was a cruel April Fool's joke. But it was true. You had left us and to add to the tragedy... it was one day before your birthday. Marvin, I can't tell you the devastation I, a well as ,the whole music world felt. But Marvin you did leave us your wonderful music and we're grateful for that. Marvin I know there are truly some sweet sounds coming down from that NIGHTSHIFT now. You found another home. I miss you brother. wish you were still here.....

Sincerely,
Brother 9/15 aka CR3


NOTE: On April 1 or April 2nd, let us take some time to reflect on Marvin's music and all that he tried to teach us through his artistry.

Great post, completely agree. Marvin never strays far from my CD player ... "What's Goin On" is one of my favourite records of all time, and possible THE favourite.

I'm wondering if they will ever make a movie based on Marvin Gaye's life? My mother thinks Maxwell should portray him in a movie.

beautiful, beautiful thread....

I remember when Marvin died. He was at his best popularity wise, in a long time. He won his 1st Grammy 4 "Sexual Healing" and was touring again.

Although I never got the chance 2 see him live, I did get 2 see his segment on Motown's 25th Anniversary, where he did a beautiful monologue and then sang.

It's true...he deserves a moment of silence on this birthday and his date of passage.

RIP Marvin Gaye, God Bless U.