What's Goin' On?

"You know we gotta find some way to bring some lovin' here today."

Tammi Terrell: Unsung Motown Heroine

The following are some of my favorite songs by the great Tammi Terrell, a talented vocalist known for her duets with Marvin Gaye. RIP, Tammi Terrell, you died too young. This does a good job of describing Terrell's career and life.
All I Do Is Think About You"
 "More, More, More"
"More, More, More" featuring Marvin Gaye singing along to recording of Tammi
"Your Precious Love"
 "Come On and See Me"
"Can't Stop Now (Love is Calling)"

Marvin Gaye and Michael Jackson: Let's Dance, Let's Shout!

"Shake Your Body (Down to the Ground)" is one of my favorite jams from Michael Jackson's pre-Thriller days. The chorus of Michael Jackson's song was taken from the popular "Got To Give It Up" and note the influence of Gaye on D'Angelo's vocal style, particularly the falsetto, and don't forget that funky beat with Latin percussion incorporated and some jazz-funk in this extended version of the song. Anyway, the chorus lien repeated by Gaye, "let's dance, let's shout, gettin' funky is what it's all about" morphed into "let's dance, let's shout, shake your body down to the ground." Although the Gaye song is much better and funkier than the straight-up disco sensibilities of "Shake Your Body," Michael's singing is enticing.

How Sweet It Is (To Be Loved By You)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_7Dan8efgjw

How Sweet It Is live by my man Marvin Gaye!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gQIrwprU1SY

Another live version at the Copacabana
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dCwdlR8LzPs&feature=related

Live again!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JPKXKt5pkpo&feature=related

The best version of the song, featuring Jr. Walker's funky saxophone and an amazing funky backbeat. "I wanna stop and thank ya baby!"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b35kP8MvV4U

James Taylor's version
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tsOBSo_jKnM

Marvin Gaye's Hitch Hike

Gaye's 1963 hit, "Hitch Hike," is an innovative example of 1960s Motown R&B music. The use of cowbell to play a clave rhythm, in conjunction with the blues-based R&B melody shows how the Motown sound was universal in its ability to incorporate elements of jazz, blues, gospel, pop, rock, funk and Latin. Moreover, Gaye's song would be copied by rock bands, and serve as a source of inspiration for songs by The Beatles and Velvet Underground.

Here is the original, by Marvin Gaye. There are congas, a flute solo, and cowbell, with Gaye singing vocals accompanied by Martha and the Vandellas, another Motown act. Gaye sings about finding a woman he loves, hitch hiking across the country to find her in various cities, such as Chicago, L.A., and St. Louis.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GwvHfwDfapI

Here is a live version of Gaye performing the song on some television show from the 1960s. It actually sounds a little different than the studio recording plus we get to sing video footage of Gaye
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FioNrMTrVXk

The Rolling Stones covered the song, without the cowbell, flute, and horn section of the Motown recording. It's actually not bad, but they cannot sing like Marvin Gaye.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VmkU3yg4lK0

The Beatles song, "You Can't Do That," is probably inspired by Gaye's song. It features congas and cowbell, but obviously has a stronger rock sound, especially with the guitar-driven sound.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=usQ8AhiRcNE

The Mothers of Invention, Frank Zappa's early band, also recorded a cover of the song, that is quite funky. Lacking the Latin instrumentation, this recording does feature a tambourine, like most Motown music. I cannot tell who is actually singing, but they're far below Gaye in vocal ability...Still, an interesting recording with a little guitar solo. That funky bass keeps it going though.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ng5xhOt9PLE

The Sonics, a 1960s garage rock band, also recorded a cover of "Hitch Hike." I could do without the prominent, distorted guitar, but the little saxophone part is nice.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4E0BpWZWXpE

The Velvet Underground also recorded a song inspired by the Rolling Stones cover. "There She Goes Again" is ok, but not great or interesting rock. The song incorporates the guitar line in the RS cover.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WOrwJ7HHyyE

The Smiths also recorded a song based on the Rolling Stones version of the song called "There Is a Light That Never Goes Out" that ain't that great or interesting...In fact, I strongly dislike the vocals
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n-cD4oLk_D0

The Best of Marvin Gaye

Here are some of my favorite Marvin Gaye songs. I love that man. R.I.P. brother.

Stubborn Kind of Fellow

Hitch Hike: this song has Latin elements

Pride and Joy is one of my favorite R&B songs from Motown. This gospel stomp features Gaye's majestic vocals over a brilliant backing vocalist group.

Can I Get a Witness

You're a Wonderful One is another gem from Gaye's 1960s Motown output. I believe Diana Ross and the Supremes are backing vocals.

How Sweet It Is To Be Loved By You

I'll Be Doggone

Aint That Peculiar

It Takes Two, a duet between Kim Weston and Gaye

Your Precious Love

I Heard It Through the Grapevine is up there with the Jackson 5's performance of Who's Loving You as the best Motown song. Gaye's vocals, the Funk Brothers (Motown studio band) backing him, and the dark, ominous feel of this song made it distinct from most Motown singles, which were usually 'happy' and 'feel good' music.

What's Goin On is another odd Motown hit. Berry Gordy initially thought it would be a failure...

Mercy Mercy Me

Inner City Blues, second to I Heard It Through the Grapevine as my favorite Marvin Gaye song

You're The Man shows the funky side of Gaye

Trouble Man

Where Are We Going has a great smooth Soul, Latin feel.

Let's Get It On

Got to Give It Up, Gaye at his funkiest

Sexual Healing

I Want You

Right On is a good example of R&B/Latin fusions