With my Motown posts earlier in the week, I was reminded of the immense talent of Marvin Gaye, who made great music throughout his career. Gaye's music was a dominant force, both at Motown and in the world. Whether it was songs he had written, or song he was performing, it was a great part of the 1960s, 1970s and 1980s. Either as a solo singer or paired with Tammi Terrell or Mary Wells, Gaye helped define Pop and Soul music during those decades. The depth and quality of his voice, as well as his connection to the music, making most of his recordings memorable. Marvin also enjoyed a variety of music, and would sometimes include the spiritual music with secular on his albums. On his 1971 album, 'What's Going On', Gaye recorded "God Is Love", written by Marvin, Anna Gordy Gaye, James Nyx and Elgie Stover.
On that same album, he recorded "Wholy Holy", the eighth track. It was written by Gaye, Al Cleveland, and Renaldo "Obie" Benson. And while Gaye might have been seen as a sexual icon for the time, in "Wholy Holy" he combines thoughts of love and his faith.
Earlier in his career, Marvin participated in a Motown compilation with a song written in 1905 by lyricist Civilla D. Martin and composer Charles H. Gabriel. In 1968, Marvin offered up "His Eye Is On The Sparrow" to be a track on 'In Loving Memory', dedicated to the memory of Motown founder Berry Gordy's sister, Mrs. Loucye S. Gordy Wakefield.
Enjoy your Sunday!
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