Favorite 70's R&B Songs #6 - "Mercy Mercy Me (The Ecology)"

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A bona fide legend occupies the sixth spot in my Favorite 70's R&B Songs countdown: "Mercy Mercy Me (The Ecology,) by Marvin Gaye. A multi-instrumentalist blessed with one heck of a voice, Marvin Gaye entered the music business in 1959, and had a career that lasted until his death (he was shot by his father) in 1984. Gaye is credited as being one of the main shapers of the Motown sound, which is lucky for us that he did, because when he signed with Motown's sub label, Tamla, in 1960, Marvin Gaye was only interested in performing jazz standards. He wanted no part of being an R&B singer. The singer is in the Rhythm and Blues, the Songwriters, and the Rock and Roll Halls of Fame. (Fun Fact: In 1983, Gaye performed the National Anthem at the NBA All Star Game. The footage of that performance was the very first video aired on VH1.) Gaye refused to record any more music until Motown gave him complete control and allowed him to make the album that he wanted. The result was Gaye's 1971 self-produced classic, What's Going On. A concept album told from the point of view of a returning Vietnam veteran who takes a look around and doesn't like what he sees, What's Going On sold over two million copies and was certified gold. One thing our war hero didn't care much for upon his return was our treatment of the environment (Gaye was a critic of global warming,) resulting in the hit "Mercy Mercy Me (The Ecology.") Over a silky smooth groove, Gaye rails against subjects such as oil spills and radiation. The song became a million seller, reaching #4 on the Billboard Hot 100, and spending two weeks at #1 on that magazine's R&B Singles Chart. It also has won a Grammy Hall of Fame Award. Not bad for a guy that didn't want to be an R&B singer. R.I.P. Marvin. Thanks for all the classic music. (Info verified by Wikipedia)