Song of the Day: "Inner City Blues"

After release of the police crime footage from Memphis: The Marvin Gaye classic

Greg Mitchell is the author of a dozen books and now writer/director of award-winning films. He was also a longtime editor of the legendary Crawdaddy.

In light of the release last night of the video and police body-cam footage from Memphis showing five cops beating, and killing, Tyre Nichols, I’ve moved off what I planned for today in favor of one of the great songs, and performances, of our era, Marvin Gaye’s “Inner City Blues.” I’ve always favored it over its far more popular 1971 album-mate, “What’s Going On.” The fine video below was made back in 1994 for a re-release. The song was co-written by Marvelous Marv who also plays piano on the track, with the Funk Brothers adding instruments.

Usually for the songs I pick here I also present other takes by the artist, cover versions by others and/or live tracks. But the original Gaye cut simply has never been approached, even by the likes of Etta James and live by Marvin himself. However, part of the track below may be new to you as it is the original from the landmark What’s Going On album with an extra minute or so at the end with added lyrics and a different tone. Below that you will find a fine live version of “What’s Going On.” Then our usual political cartoon. Don’t forget to subscribe, it’s still free.

Cartoon of the Day