Happy Birthday: Marvin Gaye

Today is the anniversary of the birth of Marvin Pentz Gay, Jr., known to the world as Marvin Gaye, who is one of the greatest vocalists of the 20th century. Many don't know that outside of his smooth four octave voice and "tickling the ivory", he started out as a session drummer for Motown.

For many, Here, My Dear is considered a classic, although it failed commercially. At first it received ill reviews until re-examined later. It was supposed to be an attempt at making a "lazy album" due to the unrepairable circumstances surrounding his first marriage to Anna Gordy, the sister of Motown/Tamla mogul Berry Gordy. With the advice of Curtis Shaw, Marvin's attorney, it was agreed that Marvin would give half the royalties for the album to Anna for alimony and child support for their only son Marvin III. However, while recording the album, Marvin's emotions took over the music.

One of my favorite tunes from the album is "Is That Enough", which talks about the divorce court precedings and having to pay attorney fees.