On this day in music history: December 15, 1978 - “Here, My Dear”, the fifteenth studio album by Marvin Gaye is released. Produced by Marvin Gaye, it is recorded at Marvin’s Room in Hollywood, CA from Summer 1976 - Fall 1977. The fourteen track double LP set is a concept album containing songs inspired by his divorce from first wife Anna Gordy Gaye (sister of Motown founder Berry Gordy, Jr.). The album is recorded with the caveat that Gaye’s ex-wife will receive royalties from sales. Initially, Gaye plans to record a quick “throwaway” album, but the singer’s creative muse will take over. He will craft an intense song cycle chronicling his relationship with his former wife, and the eventual breakdown of their marriage. Fans and critics are puzzled by the highly personal (and controversial) nature of the songs at the time of its release, and it will fare poorly. Initially, Motown will refuse to release the album, but are forced to due to the stipulations of the divorce settlement. Anna Gaye will threaten to sue her former husband, citing “invasion of privacy”, but will later drop the lawsuit. It will spin off the single “A Funky Space Reincarnation” (#23 R&B, #106 Pop Bubbling Under), which will later be featured in a commercial for Dior J’adore perfume featuring actress Charlize Theron. Re-evaluated years later, “Dear” will be regarded as a classic and one of Marvin Gaye’s last great works. In 2007, Hip-O Select Records will release a two CD expanded edition of the album featuring alternate extended mixes and instrumental versions of several tracks. “Here, My Dear” will peak at number four on the Billboard R&B album chart, and number twenty six on the Top 200.
Posted on: Tue, 16 Dec 2014 00:04:17 +0000
Trending Topics
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015