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Although Motown's Marvin Gaye had more than 2 DOZEN hits during the '60s, 1971 was considered his breakout year!
He released his 11th studio album, "What's Goin' On?" and it really struck a nerve in both the US and Canada.
The idea was to write and record a series of songs from the point of view of a Vietnam vet returning to the US, only to witness "hatred, suffering and injustice."
The title track, (which we highlighted back on 5/13/20 ) was a thematic masterpiece, exploring drug abuse, poverty, and the war itself. Check out the link to my original post below.** The story behind the story is interesting to say the least!
The follow-up single, and today's "Great Song of the '70s," was WAY ahead of its time. "Mercy Mercy Me" was designed to make people aware of PENDING ecological issues--issues we are struggling with now--50 years later.
The song spent 2 weeks at #1 on Billboard's Rhythm & Blues Chart, while peaking at #4 on the Hot 100. Across the Detroit River in Canada, the song reached #9 on the Top 40.
TRIVIA: The distinctive percussion sound you hear on the record was made by a rubber mallet hitting a wood block!
"Mercy Mercy Me (The Ecology)" by Marvin Gaye: a "Great Song of 1971, and STILL a "Great Song" today!
**Read my post about "What's Going On" here:
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