“Don’t punish me, with brutality”

One of the greatest songs ever put to wax period.

The message is even more powerful than ever before.

Marvin Gaye was a genius.

 

It's the tune that hooked me on bass. Thanks to Marvin and James and everyone on that record for making that happen. I'm hoping that we can find a way ... to bring some understanding here today. Peace...

 

Marvin Gaye's 'What's Going On' record was an awakening for me and so many others of an age, did it change the world - it certainly did for many. Marvin Gaye's voice had always spoken to me over the AM radio KTEM of my home town and his 'Super Hits' was in my small personal collection of records, buying that record had been an adventure and an awakening. Back then I had to ride over to the East Side of town where "Race Records" were sold it still being Jim Crow Texas town in 1970 but that would soon be changing. It even led to me buying my first stereo and my Dad buying a set of Koss headphones to keep the domestic tranquility. So of course when I heard Marvin had a new record I had to have it. I had already made that adventure for 'Super Hits' so I was prepared. Honestly I probably could have bought the record at Sears or another department store that sold records but it never occurred to me, I had always bought records at a record store and the shop down town didn't carry such things. It has been a record I have shared with friends and friends have shared with me for it's musical beauty, poignant statement on social injustice and seeming permanent condition of man against the planet. Why can we still not Save the Children?

 

Here's a 1972 performance of Marvin; and a rare view of Mr Jamerson playing with that one finger (go to 1:20) ....

 

This is my favorite performance of "What's Going On-What's Happening Brother"!

 

Marvin sang so effortlessly; a warmness in his voice so unique.
Don't want to get off topic, but for those of you who haven't heard his rendition of a great song. We could use you now, more than ever Marvin:

 

Nice post !!