Top 100 Soul/R&B Songs

#84: Marvin Gaye 'Inner City Blues'

ill Mami  |  04/22/2008 at 6:00 PM  |  Comments (6)

Marvin Gaye had enjoyed a stellar career as a singer on Motown label for many years before he released What's Going On in 1971. This landmark album signaled a departure for Gaye, as he was more often associated with a smooth and mainstream sound that was influenced by one of his musical idols, Frank Sinatra. Unable to ignore the deteriorating conditon of inner city neighborhoods and the kinship he felt with his people, Gaye set out to pen his message to music. The result, "Inner City Blues," features the classic refrain "This ain't living" and is a heartfelt and honest account of the often desperate conditions too common with this nation's ghettos. Inner city folks and others outside of these neighborhoods felt his message, too, since this song spent two weeks at the top of the charts. Known for its honest commentary, "Inner City Blues," has been covered by many influential soul and jazz artists, including Grover Washington, Jr, Gil Scott-Heron, Angela Winbush, and the legendary Sarah Vaughn. As this month of April starts to come to a close, it seems fitting to honor Marvin with a spot on this countdown, as this month marks both his birth into this world and his return to paradise. 

Tags: angela winbush, frank sinatra, gil scott-heron, grover washington jr, marvin gaye, sarah vaughn