Hey Marvin, What's Going On?

As we move into the 70's we are seeing a reemergence of soul music throughout the country, but especially in the African American community.  With the help of stars like Marvin Gaye and labels like Motown, the genre flew to an all time high.  Even with the disapproval of Marvin's producer Berry Gordy, (Jr.), his album "What's Going On," was a huge success.   

Even though, now I think that Marvin is one of the best if not the best soul artist I've ever heard, I might not have ever listened to him if we didn't in class.  I would've missed out on his amazing voice, the chill (sorry Mr. A) and smooth aspects really make it for me.  What I also really love about this album is it's use of jazz elements.  This probably means so much to me probably because I do play trumpet and although there aren't always trumpet features, I have respect for the music and like to listen to all of it's forms.  

My two favorite songs off of the album are: "Flyin' High (In the Friendly Sky)," (I love the falsetto) and "Inner City Blues (Make Me Wanna Holler)." Something about the way he almost uses his voice like an instrument really interests me.  

(Check out this little gem i found from the archives of the '70's)

Even with the struggle of the civil rights movement among being an artist in general, Marvin Gaye succeeded in more ways than one, charming audiences from his first song to a little less than 30 years after his death; the mark of a true artist. 

-Brooks Gonzales