Happy Birthday, Marvin

Marvin Gaye

My previous trips to Los Angeles were fun, but always a little disappointing. I've enjoyed great times with my family and friends over the years. There was one thing I wanted to do for years and never did. I wanted to go to Marvin Gaye's house - simply to say I had been. I had the chance to go Marvin's house on my recent trip to L.A. UNRULEY and I had talked and thanks to the magic of GPS we were in front of Marvin's Gramercy Place house in no time.
I was suprised by the size of the house, for in my mind I thought it was smaller. In reality it was a rather large, at one time beautiful home. One of the first things I noticed as I walked around the house was the air. It was cool, crisp and fresh. It stood out against the otherwise warm Los Angeles afternoon.
Various things captured my eye and a second later it was a picture. I took this from the side of the house. This rear view was the first picture I took of the house. Going with the flow of the moment I walked and snapped pictures.
It took a few years but I finally had the chance to drop by the house and say, "Hey Marvin." This was the only blooming flower I could see on the entire property.


Happy Birthday, Marvin. Thank you for the incredible music you gave us.

Looky here, I got something to say... A Message For Christina "Dirrty" Aguilera

I was sitting here, minding my own self-business, and then IT happened. I heard this announcement, "Ladies and Gentlemen, singing our National Anthem, Christina Aguilera." I instinctively knew she was going to mangle the Star Spangled Banner. Oh yeah, I was on point. That chick MURDERED it. Not that she would ever read this blog, but I do have a message for her. "Listen dear, I realize SOMEBODY done told you wrong. I feel the need to make things right. I'm going tell you the truth, the whole truth and nothing but, so help me... You sucked at singing The National Anthem. Check this out - take a moment or two to listen to Whitney, then listen to Marvin perform it. That's all - just listen. Don't ever, ever, NEVER, ever, ever, ever, ever, never, EVER do that song again. Stick with what you know. I still like you and you can feel free to ask me for advice at any time. All my years in the business can be beneficial to you." As I said, SHE won't read it, but maybe, just maybe thru six degrees of separation, someone will tell her what I said. You never know?!?!? I found this version of our National Anthem performed by the late Marvin Gaye, and his daughter Nona. It's good y'all.


Getting dirtty - that's what Christina should stick to doing. Always, always go with what you know and what works best for you. You do you, Boo!

It's Marvin Gaye, Y'all...

Today is Marvin Gaye's birthday. No, he's not a Cooley (I don't think???), but I have been a fan of his for years. Yep, going back to my earliest memories of his music. That was around 1972, which was the year, "What's Going On" was released. A memory that comes to mind is a summer day at our house at 914 Carroll Ave. It was the weekend, because I remember we were up early and cleaning. My dad was playing music (typical) and one album that dropped down the spindle was Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell's greatest hits record. I instantly like what I heard. The way those two would volley a lyric back and forth -- it's not easy, but they made it sound effortless on every song. That was one early memory. I recall hearing, "Let's Get It On" and begin to think he was talking about some hot, sweaty, sexual relations! I had to listen to that song a couple of times. As I grew older, my love for Marvin's music grew as well. He really could do no wrong - each song was a hit. Okay, I never really liked, "Rockin After Midnight." That aside, his music was good and I enjoyed it. Now, I don't mean to make fun of the dead, but Marvin taught us a very valuable lesson in his death. When your parents say, "I brought you into this world, and I'll take you out." they mean that. Mr Gaye shot his son because his son hit him. The whole situation is a sad one, but we still have the man's music. He left so many great songs. So, I'd like to say, "Happy Birthday, Marvin" and "Thank you for all the great songs you wrote and recorded." He is a legend.