Remembering Marvin

“If you cannot find peace within yourself, you will never find it anywhere else.” -Marvin Gaye

With the beginning of April, Spring vibes are everywhere. Brighter colors, warmer weather, blossoming plants and an occasional playful April Fool’s joke illustrate images in our minds when we think of April. For me, it isn’t April if I’m not remembering the spirit and talent of Marvin Gaye. My very first memory of death and loss were illustrated on one single day, April 1, 1984. You see, I didn’t have a childhood that involved notices of death or funerals. In fact, I don’t recall having any clothes suitable for attending funerals. There was no black or navy color scheme to adorn my younger self, mostly candy coated pastels and bright colors. On this day, for the first time, I was presented with the idea of mourning.

When Marvin died it was like the world came to a standstill. I was only around six years of age at the time but I can remember vividly. Upon returning home from my memorable dance recital (at the original Playboy Club in LA, sooo epic), my father and I were greeted by my mother’s favorite Marvin Gaye songs playing in the background as she shared the news, Marvin Gaye died. Although young, I wasn’t spared of the details of his violent death at the hands of his father. So, you could imagine my shock. This was the first moment when I thought of death; and I wasn’t sure what it was but instinctively felt the tragedy in that moment. The person that put a bright smile on my mother’s face as she cooked and cleaned was Marvin. If there was anything that could help avoid a spanking due to my sister and I’s incessant squabbling, it was Marvin’s soul music. Marvin filled our home with the beauty and power of music that touched our hearts and minds. Everything seemed brighter with Marvin’s music; even washing dishes seemed like more fun with Marvin on the radio. And, on the most memorable April Fool’s Day in my life he was gone and it was far from a joke. So, every year during the first week of April I remember Marvin. I remember my mother’s love. I am reminded of love. And, I am grateful.

So, you can imagine my excitement about Raheem DeVaughn’s new single “Marvin Used to Say” and the recent music video release directed by my brother, Adebayo Umoja. In this tribute to Marvin Gaye, nostalgia transports our senses to a time when Marvin filled our hearts and minds. We are reminded that Marvin’s soul and music transcends time. Literally, what Marvin used to say was filled with wisdom that is needed today. The music video directed by Adebayo Umoja illustrates this beautifully.

Meet the Director, Adebayo Umoja

“When I was a young person growing up, Marvin Gaye was played more in my house than any other musician. He was my mother’s favorite artist. In return, he grew to be one of mine. I still vividly remember my mom dancing with a huge smile on her face to “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough” while cooking arroz con pollo and sweet plantains in our uptown DC home. I couldn’t have imagined then that one day my mother’s favorite boy would make art paying homage to her favorite artist... Life is poetic like that sometimes.”