Hi, everyone. Welcome to this week’s edition of Music Monday.
(Image found online. Original source unknown.)
Twenty years ago singer Nona Gaye sang the national anthem at the NBA All-Star game. A solo performance would have been enjoyable enough on its own, but she turned it into a virtual duet with and in honor of her father, Marvin, who died 20 years earlier in 1984 when Nona was nine.
A year before his death Marvin, the crowned Prince of Motown, performed the same song at the same all star game. He delivered it with his own soulful and unique spin, leaving nearly everyone in the arena in awe.
Nike used Marvin’s recording and video clips from that 1983 appearance for its 2008 commercial for the USA Basketball Men’s National Team. It was a testament to Marvin’s timeless sound, his unforgettable interpretation of our national anthem and his status as a musical legend.
Have a safe and happy 4th of July, everyone.
Top: Marvin Gaye in 1983. Bottom: Marvin on video accompanying daughter Nona’s live performance in 2004. (Images found online. Original sources unknown.)
Marvin Gaye: “The Star Spangled Banner” (as performed on February 13, 1983 at the NBA All Star Game in California. Written by Francis Scott Key (lyrics in 1914) and John Stafford Smith (music circa 1773).
Nona Gaye and Marvin Gaye: “The Star Spangled Banner” (as performed on February 15, 2004 at the NBA All Star Game in California. Written by Francis Scott Key (lyrics in 1914) and John Stafford Smith (music circa 1773).
Stay safe & well.
Lilacs & Rust 