THE POLICE and JIMMY RUFFIN

As I said in Previous posts, when we Lived in Norwich back in 1987, we always came back to Great Yarmouth on a Saturday, to see Family and Sell some stuff from my Mobile Shop Van.


I recall nearly straightaway after coming Home from Yarmouth on the Weekend, things started happening to Our House and Garden, when we were out in Yarmouth!

Things like, Nathan's Cars that were left out  where He used to Play, were Damaged, i.e smashed with a Hammer, I also think something was done to the Kids Bikes, damage to the Shed and Fence etc, this went on for a couple of Weeks, me and Susan never thought to much about, when the Kids Complained!


After 3/4 Weeks of things happening, and not doing anything about it, we came to Yarmouth as usual that Weekend, and when we returned everything looked normal, until Susan went to get the Washing in, thats when we saw what had been done,  there had been someone in Our back Garden, Slashing our all Washing with what must have been a Stanley Knife!

We got straight on to The Police, who came round, they were going on about Enemies in the Area, we said we didn't really know anybody in the area, as usual the Copper's were Useless & Done Nothing!  


When we were still Living in Norwich, we Never found out the Reason, why this stuff was done to us, but we found out Later!


We found out Later why this had all happened, it turned out, the Person (Moron) we Exchanged Council Houses with, still had a Sister who Lived on the Same Road, who Wanted Her back In Norwich and wanted to Scare us off, back to Yarmouth, so Her Sister could move back in!

What a Bunch of Tw*ts, Especially the Idiot who Smashed our Kids Toys Up, not too mention our Clothes etc they Ruined!


What makes me Mad about this situation is, None of Morons who caused all this Trouble were Never brought to Justice, perhaps one Day I will get the Chance to Repay them all one by one!


Incidentally the Prat we exchanged with, still Walks about our Town, and about once a Year we have the Mis-Fortune of seeing Her, and the First Thing I think is WHAT A DICKHEAD!

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Now for some Music, I had to go in to Hospital last week, and wanted something on my MP4 Player which I have not played for a Little While, that same Night I turned on a Local Radio Station and heard some Jimmy Ruffin, so I quickly got my Jimmy Ruffin CD's off the Rack and on to the MP4 player.


My Favorite Jimmy Ruffin Track was actually Released on 3 seperate Occasions, Firstly in 1967, then 1969 and Finally in 1974.

It was called "I've Passed This Way Before" it was from the Album "The Jimmy Ruffin Way" Released in 1966 on the Tamla Motown Label and featured 12 Tracks, including His Biggest Hit "What Becomes of the Brokenhearted"

The Track Reached Number 17 on the US Pop Chart, Number 10 on the US R&B Chart and it also Reached Number 29 on the UK Pop Chart.

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THE GREATEST SOUL SINGER OF ALL TIME....MARVIN GAYE

Marvin Gaye in 1973 (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

In this Series of Posts, I will writing about the Artist's who are in My "Greatest Ever Soul Singer of All-Time" Poll. 

The Poll is over to the Right of the Blog, it has been Running for a Couple of Weeks now, so if You haven't already Voted, Please do so!

In these Post's, I will write a few Facts, Figures, Stats and Interesting Stuff on the Artist in Question, I will also include a Playlist of their 20 Greatest Songs.

I will Write a Post on each Artist in Order of "Top to Bottom" of the Poll!

ARTIST NUMBER 2..................MARVIN GAYE 

Marvin Pentz Gay Jr was Born on April 2, 1939 in Washington DC, He was One of Four Children, His Father was a Minister and his Mother was a School Teacher.

He was Multi Talented being a Singer, Songwriter, Composer, Record Producer and a Multi Instrument Musician, including Keyboards, Drums, Percussion, Clavinet, Piano and Synthesizers. 

He only ever Recorded for 2 Record Labels, Motown and Columbia.

He started His Musical Career in the Late 50's, when He joined a Doo Wop Group Called "the Moonglows"

The Moonglows Disbanded in 1960, and Marvin Gay's Solo Career Started when He Joined "Motown" the same Year as a Session Drummer!


Marvin Gay's Early Singing Efforts were either Standard's and Jazz Recording's, the Opposite of Most of the Motown Act's of that Era, who Sang R&B.

Even at this Early stage Marvin Gay had plenty of Run-ins and Argument's with Motown Founder and Owner "Berry Gordy"


One of His First Professional Jobs for Motown was as a Drummer for "The Miracles" this is where MG struck up his Life Long Friendship with "Smokey Robinson"


Marvin Gay added an "E" to His Surname to coincide with His Debut Single Release in May 1961, the Track was called "Let Your Conscience Be Your Guide" it Flopped in the US apart from the Mid West!


His Second Single also Flopped in Early 1962, that was Called "Sandman" and the Debut Album Released the Previous Year also flopped, that was Called "The Soulful Moods Of Marvin Gaye"


Around this Period "Marvin Gaye" was having more Success behind the Scenes, Session Drumming for the likes of: Mary Wells, Contours, The Marvellettes, Supremes, Martha Reeves and Little Stevie Wonder!

Three of Motown Hits around this time, Featured Marvin Gaye on the Drums, they were: Fingertips by Little Stevie Wonder, Please Mr Postman by The Marvellettes and Dancing In The Street by Martha Reeves and the Vandellas!


In 62 and 63 Marvin Gaye was part of "The Motortown Revue Show" this meant He was nearly certain to have His First Hit with His 4th Single Release in the Spring of 63, which was called "Pride & Joy" it Reached Number 10 on the US Hot 100 Chart.


Later that Same Year He had his Second Hit Single with "Can I Get A Witness" and more "Hits" were to follow over the next few Years!

In Early 1967 His First Duet Hit happened with "Kim Weston" it was called "It Takes Two" by Late 67 MG had teamed up with "Tammi Terrell" and Several Hit Duets were shortly to follow.


By 1970 Marvin Gaye has Released 10 Album's, all on the Motown/Tamla Record Label, but in 1971 He became the First Black Artist to Release an "Concept Album" it was called "What's Going On" most of the Tracks Segued into the next, and the Subject matter of the Album, was War, Drug Abuse, Polictics, Enviroment and Poverty. 

The Album was Marvin Gaye's First Number 1 on the US R&B Chart.


He would Release 6 more Albums Before His Untimely Death on 1st April 1984, he was Fatally Wounded by a Bullet, Shot by His Father!


His Last Studio Recorded Album was "Midnight Love" on the Columbia Record Label, 3 more Albums were Released after His Death, 2 on Columbia and 1 on Motown Record Label.


Throughout His Life, He had a Constant Battle with Depression, Money and Drugs, these all seemed to come together and were the Probable Cause of his Early Death.

Marvin Gaye's Complete Discography:

19  Studio Albums

7  Duet Albums

4  Live Albums

24  Compilation Albums

83  Single Releases.

Checkout my More In-Depth Post's concerning Marvin Gaye's Personal and Musical Life:  Press Here

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THE BEST SOUL BANDS / ARTISTS OF THE ALL-TIME # 3...MARVIN GAYE Part 4

This Series of Post's concerns in my Opinion The Best Bands/Artists of all time.

I will write a Short Bio including  the Band Members/Artist, some Facts and figures, their Histories,  Links, Videos, The Tracks they made Famous, Links to Download etc etc

I will continue the series with the Best Soul Vocalist from Tamla Motown Records................MARVIN GAYE. Part 4.

In the Spring of  1977, Marvin Gaye Released "Got To Give It Up" some said this was his attempt at Disco Music, but whatever it was, it Reached Number 1 in US (his 3rd), and has it turned out, to be his Last in his Lifetime!

It was taken from the 2 Million Selling Album "Live at the London Palladium" it was the only Studio Track on there!

During March of 1977 MG's First Marriage to Anna Gordy finally came to an end (after about 13 years, although they were apart for about the last 4 years) and it was agreed that some of the Revenue from next Album, would go to his Ex Wife, it was a Double Album called "Here My Dear" most of the Tracks concerned the Marriage Break-Up.  It was Released in late 1978.

Only 1 Single was Released from the Album in early 1979, that was called "A Funky Space Re-incarnation" it reached Number 23 on the R&B Charts, but it failed to Chart on the Billboard Hot 100 Chart, his First Failure for 17 Years!

During 1979 MG did the "Talk Show Circuit" in the US, he also Toured the US, England and Japan.

Also during middle to late 1979, MG again faced Financial Troubles and also Second Marriage Troubles, he was seeing Janis Hunter before his First Divorce and Married for the Second time soon after.

This Second Marriage lasted less than a Year, but they did not Divorce until February 1981.

After Performing  Concert's in Hawaii during September of 1979, MG decided to stay there for a while, he did not have to Pay Taxes there and he was also back into Drugs, plus he feared if he went back to the US, he would be Imprisoned by the IRS for Non-Payment of Taxes!

By 1980 Marvin Gaye had Re-Located to London England, he still Feared returning to US because of his Tax Evasion!

He did another European Tour during 1980, which included a "Royal Gala Charity Show" which MG turned up Late, and was then Sued by the Promoter "Jeffrey Kruger", this was later settled out of Court!

By late '80, Marvin Gaye (still living in UK) had been working on his next Album for a while, he had changed the Title several times and the some of the Tracks. He finally settled on the Title "In Our Lifetime" and sent the Tapes of the Album back to the US, for Motown to listen and respond to!

But Motown by now were tired of Waiting for MG to make New Music and soon as they got the Tapes, they went ahead and Remixed and Edited some of the Tracks and also Changed the Artwork on the Sleeve and slightly changed the Album Title, and then Released the Album on 15 January 1981.

Marvin Gaye was Livid and Vowed never to work for Motown again!

By the Summer of '81, negotiations were underway, with Motown for Marvin Gaye's Release, he was offered several different Deals by other Record Labels, but in the end he chose CBS Records, and joined them in March of 1982.

After Touring the UK and finishing with 2 Concert's in Belgium in Early 1981, Marvin Gaye decided (after advice from his Belgium Concert promoter) to move to Ostend in Belgium, it was Dual Purpose, he wanted to cut down on the Drugs, he was taking again and he wanted to get himself Fit again "Emotionally and Physically"

While in Belgium, Marvin Gaye had a Video of his time there, recorded, it was called "Transit Ostend" give it a look, its a Great Insight to Marvin's Life!

Download the Albums: "Live at the London Palladium"
                                       "Here My Dear"
                                       "In Our Lifetime" 
Also Download about 25 Marvin Gaye Album's

THE 96th MIX FOR F.S.V.B

Here's the 96th Mix selection for F.S.V.B, continuing the Marvin Gaye theme from the last Post. Its been submitted to the Website, Six Million Steps, by Alan Champ, its under the JJ Smoking Sessions # 20, there's some Classic Marvin Gaye Tracks on here, (either performing or Written), including What's Going On, Inner City Blues, Baby I'm For Real, Distant Lover and I Heard It Through The Grapevine! 

Check out page for Track Listing and Download!

Press play button below 

Marvin Gaye - Yesterday

Originals - Baby I'm For Real
Marvin Gaye - What's Happenin' Brother
Earl Klugh - I Heard It Through The Grapevine
Marvin Gaye - Praise
Gil Scott Heron - Inner City Blues
Samarai Seven - 'Marvin' (I Want You)
Three Degrees - Distant Lover
Marvin Gaye - Where Are We Going
Undisputed Truth - What's Going On
Leon Ware - You Are What You Are
Marvin Gaye - Come Live With Me Angel
Marvin Gaye - Love Party
Marvin Gaye - My Love Is Waiting (alternative vocal mix)
Laura Nyro & Labelle - The Bells
Marvin Gaye - What's Going On (bare-bones mix)

THE BEST SOUL BANDS / ARTISTS OF THE ALL-TIME # 3...MARVIN GAYE Part 1

This Series of Post's concerns in my Opinion The Best Bands/Artists of all time.

I will write a Short Bio including  the Band Members/Artist, some Facts and figures, their Histories,  Links, Videos, The Tracks they made Famous, Links to Download etc etc


I was asked by my Wife, Susan, to do a Post on "Marvin Gaye" as she likes a lot of his Music, especially around the early to Middle 1970's.

I will continue the series with the Best Soul Vocalist from Tamla Motown Records................MARVIN GAYE.

Born 2nd April 1937, Marvin Gaye was a Member of the DooWop Group "The Moonglows" in the Late 1950's, He left them in 1960 to pursue a Solo Career, He Signed to "Tamla Records" as a Session Drummer.


By May of 1961 he had Released his First Solo Single for "Tamla" called "Let Your Conscience Be Your Guide" it Flopped!


It was followed by another Single called "Sandman" which also Flopped!


June 1962 saw the Debut Album Released, Entitled "The Soulful Moods Of Marvin Gaye" that also Failed to Chart!


There was two more Released tracks from the album, but again both Flopped!


Marvin Gaye was having more Success as a session Drummer, for Acts like Mary Wells, Contours, Marvelettes, The Supremes, Stevie Wonder, Miracles and Martha & the Vandellas.


MG played Drums on a couple of big Hits from the Motown Label, Stevie Wonder's "Fingertips" and Martha Reeves Hit, "Dancing In The Street"


One of the reason's Marvin Gaye's Career took a while to take off was Blamed on his Clash with Label Owner "Berry Gordy"

After Arguments with Berry Gordy over the Song "Stubborn Kind of Fella" it was finally Released in September of 1962, and Finally MG had a Hit Single, charting in both the Billboard (46)  and R&B (8) Charts!


The Album of the same name was released in December of '62, and by the 5th Single Release "Hitch Hike" MG had his First Top 30 "Billboard" Single!


In 1963 MG was asked to take part in his First Motown Revue Tour, along with many other Motown Acts, this turned out to be very Successful!

His next Single Release "Pride and Joy" was a Hit in the Spring of '63, selling just under a Million Copies, this was followed by the release of "Can I Get a Witness" which was another Top 30 Hit.


More Hit Singles followed throughout 1964, then in 1965 MG had his First Top 10 Single, selling just under 1 Million Copies "How Sweet It is (to be Loved by You)" 


The First Million Sellers happened in '65, the Tracks were "Aint That Peculiar" and "I'll Be Doggone" these were both Written by Smokey Robinson!


Because of his Success, MG wanted more control of his Music, this caused more trouble with Motown (Berry Gordy), he wanted to Record Jazz Albums instead of what he was doing at that time, he was eventually granted his Wish, MG Recorded 3 Jazz Albums, around 1966, all of the were Flops!

In early 1967, MG Recorded his First Duet with "Kim Weston" called "It Takes Two", this turned out to be his First Worldwide International Hit Single.


Next up for MG was more Duet's, this time with "Tammi Terrell" between them, they Recorded about 10 Singles, the First Hit was "Aint No Mountain High Enough"


But Tragedy was to Strike, and end their Partnership, on 14th October 1967, "Tammi Terrell" was diagnosed with a Malignant Brain Tumour.


Marvin Gaye took Tammi Terrell's Illness very Badly, He would often go into Deep Depressions and at one time, even attempted Suicide!


During 1968 and 1969, Marvin Gaye had 6 Top 10 Singles in US, either Solo or with Tammi Terrell, the Biggest Hit was "I Heard It Through The Grapevine" which was Number 1 in both the US and the UK Charts, 3 other Singles were 
"To Busy Thinking About my Baby" That's The Way Love Is and "The Onion song"


By 1970 Marvin Gaye was one of the Biggest Recording Artist's in the World, but Tragedy was again about to Strike, in his Personal 
Life, on 16th March 1970, "Tammi Terrell" Died, plunging Marvin Gaye back into deep Depression!


DOWNLOAD SOME MARVIN GAYE


HERE'S A GREAT MARVIN GAYE MIX BY DJ SPINNA

Tracklisting:

01 – Flyin’ High (In the Friendly Sky)

02 – Sparrow

03 – Life is for learning

04 – Please stay

05 – Come live with me angel

06 – Stop, Look, Listen (To your heart) ft Diana Ross

07 – Let’s Get it on

08 – You sure love to ball

09 – Instrumental

10 – God is love

11 – After the Dance

12 – Mercy mercy me

13 – Interlude

14 – All I need to get by (ft Tammi Terrell)

15 – Ain’t Nothing Like the Real Thing (ft Tammi Terrell)

16 – Keep on loving me honey (ft Tammi Terrell)

17 – California soul (ft Tammi Terrell)

18 – Chained

19 – Time to get it together

20 – Where are we headed

21 – Life’s a game of give and take

22 – You can leave, but it’s going to cost you

23 – I want you