I still get chills
I just took another listen to Marvin Gaye singing "The Star Spangled Banner" at the 1983 NBA All-Star Game.
Man, this is why they invented the microphone. If you've never heard this performance, hunt it down and give it a whirl. You can thank me later.
| Posted at 3:12 AM | Permalink |
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Comments (6)
What do you make of the fact that Marvin's father capped him and took him out, and was later given PROBATION by a judge for the offense.
Brought him into the world and took him out.
Posted by brother gary | October 8, 2004 5:01 AM
NPR has the song up on their site: http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=985241
Posted by Notorious J.E.S. | October 8, 2004 6:17 AM
Gary: Yes, it's chilling to think of how Marvin died. I was brooding about that as I listened to his music last night. There's a version of his "What's Going On" album circulating these days that has a concert disk included. During the show, a fairly stoned-out Marvin mentions that his family is in the audience, and he gives his mother, father and sister thanks.
To think that a year or so later, he was beating up his father over drugs, and that Marvin Sr. shot him to death, is just so sad. The message of Marvin's version of the anthem is so hopeful. But it was something he could only give the rest of the world. He couldn't enjoy it himself.
Posted by Jack Bog | October 8, 2004 11:20 AM
I actually have the Star Spangle Banner performance by Marvin on a VHS tape video given to me 15 years ago by then City Commissioner Dick Bogle.
I also have the Motown 25th yr reunion (1984)on Video in which Marvin does a haunting version of "What's Going On". I watch it often knowing that it was Marvin's last televised appearance. I would love to get this in DVD format but I do not think it is available.
Great post, Jack
Posted by Randy Leonard | October 8, 2004 12:41 PM
Randy, I sincerely hope that it was a typo when your referred to our national anthem!
~K!
Posted by Kismet | October 8, 2004 1:42 PM
OOPPS. Sorry. I am bad about reading my stuff before posting.
Posted by Randy Leonard | October 8, 2004 2:36 PM