Wednesday, July 30, 2008

Marvin Gaye (1939-1984) Hitch Hike and The Star Spangled Banner

Inspired by Ian's set of three songs by great performers and  bands I thought I'd be slightly less ambitious and try a series of just two songs by a performer(s)--one  at the beginning of their success and another  toward the end or the most recent of his/her career. This first one was Marvin's first Top 40 hit (getting up to Number 30), originally released in 1962 and one of my favorites from his "Grestest Hits" album. 

A year before his senseless death, Marvin appeared at the 1983 NBA All-Star Game (see below) and gave the fans this outstanding rendition of the Star Spangled Banner.  

 

 

 

Marvin Gaye went on to have 25(!) top ten songs in America and elsewhere.  His greatest hit, "What's Going On" (1971) was originally turned down by his Motown record producer, Barry Gordy,  because he considered it uncommercial!  This great singer struggled with depression, loss (especially that of his frequent singing partner, Tammi Terrell, in 1970)  and emotional issues through much of his adult life.  So sadly ironic given the happiness that he generated for millions.  

For more on Marvin Gaye, here's a good essay:

http://www.pbs.org/wnet/americanmasters/database/gaye_m.html

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9 comments:

  1. Cassandra La jeune fille blondeJuly 31, 2008 at 2:41 AM

    Doug, why is it those who rise to stardom, so often have such a short life?

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  2. Aaran AardvarkJuly 31, 2008 at 5:56 AM

    You always know the end is close when stars do the national anthem.... Jimi Hendrix, Elvis, Bing Crosby....the death toll just goes on and on....it's a crying shame in my opinion Doug, they should ban it... or at least put a warning from Surgeon General on the sheet music I think.

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  3. doug noakesJuly 31, 2008 at 8:08 AM

    My best guess is that the lifestyle of life on "the road", (e.g., the enablers and hangers-on, etc) makes for a precarious emotional state for a creative person . The pressures of maintaining success (and all these people must be extraordinarily driven to be successful) make coping with failed relationships and inner demons all the more difficult.

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  4. doug noakesJuly 31, 2008 at 8:12 AM

    It is a reportedly difficult song to sing. I think it could be safely performed if the lyrics were substituted with spirited humming.

    I believe Bing Crosby's death was caused by a deadly mix of a gallon of Minute Maid orange juice a day couple with an addiction to the Scottish "extreme sport" of golf.

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  5. Aaran AardvarkJuly 31, 2008 at 8:22 AM

    LOL....thanks for the correction Doug....."spirited humming" ....yes that should be okay so long as the performers don't inhale.

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  6. Cassandra La jeune fille blondeJuly 31, 2008 at 11:30 AM

    Yes, the lifestyle definitely. I didn't realise your National Anthem was so deadly.............makes note to only hum it gently!

    Cassandra

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  7. Ian EvansJuly 31, 2008 at 12:47 PM

    Hi Doug,

    Absolutely loved seeing Marvin performing Hitch Hike. Those early Motown songs are fantastic (My personal favourite is Smokey and the Miracles Shop Around)

    As for the Star Spangled Banner - maybe you need to be American to really get it - but I'd prefer to overlook that one!

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  8. doug noakesJuly 31, 2008 at 8:24 PM

    lol....Yes, a bit "deadly" perhaps. It isn't exactly up to par with what Handel or Elgar could've got up to.

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  9. doug noakesJuly 31, 2008 at 8:29 PM

    Quite possibly--one does have to spend years getting attached to Francis Scott Key's little ditty--I always think of baseball games when I hear it because that's when I stood up and put my cap to my heart for the opening bars as a kid, in baseball parks. "Oh, Canada" is nice, but it was already taken.

    Hard to go wrong with Motown--especially Smokey Robinson, Marvin, Wilson Pickett, et al.

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