What's Going On.
I think a still from this video (pause at about 8:05) is going to be the subject of my next art project -- as a Christmas gift for Lady D... and don't worry, I'm not giving anything away, it's by request.
I'm happy to do it too. Marvin Gaye's been one of my favorite musicians since I was a kid (my mom had a huge and very extensive record collection).
The themes of his magnum opus (war, the environment, economic depression, racial division), the album What's Going On, still resonate pretty deeply today. The music itself, while frequently copied by more contemporary artists, was extremely experimental for its time. R&B was still largely formulated doo-wop, mostly because Berry Gordy didn't think there was commercial success to be found outside "his formula". Few artists (read: Marvin and Stevie Wonder) had the temerity to convince Motown Records to release something even remotely like What's Going On with it's incredibly seemless juxtopositioning of musical genres and styles and its "heavy" subject matter. But Gaye sings with such conviction, earnestness, and passion that the themes never once come off as affected. You get the sense that Gaye deeply feels each and every line he sings (which I know is the purpose of soul music, right?)
If the purpose of art is to stir feelings within the heart and minds of the artist's audience there's no doubt that Marvin Gaye is an unparalled virtuoso. I only hope I can do him justice.
BTW - Hope ya'll had a Happy Thanksgiving.