25 years ago...Today

I was 14 years old and I saw on the news that Marvin Gaye had been shot, by his own father no less. It was a sad sad day. His father received five years probation. Marvin had suffered many years of abuse at the hands of his father when he was young. His past haunted him, and as a result he couldn't overcome a severe cocaine habit and paranoia before his death. His Birthday is tomorrow.

The torture he sometimes felt showed up in his music. You can hear it in his version of The Beatles Yesterday. Of course, his wisdom, creativity, sexuality, and humanity showed up too. Just listen to this one and this one This is why we loved him so. I have Marvin Gaye days, where all I can do is listen to his music. My absolute favorite is Come Get to This.

I miss Lauryn Hill

I have days when I'm good and I can accept that Lauryn Hill has dropped out of the music business, to protest, or to raise her offspring or because she just isn't interested, or because she can't be in it on her terms. Most days I am fine, and I can respect her decisions. Other days I am sad and have a deep longing for her gifts to grace our ears and hearts once more. I had a day last year where I was really angry because Jazmine Sullivan put a song similar to the Lauryn Hill sound. I couldn't be mad at Jazmine, she is a star in her own right, but I was just mad.

Today is one of those days when I wish Lauryn Hill was still performing or least still producing. Her gift is very special. She is meant to lead people to Spirit. She is that first step some see before moving on the the next step, and then the next. Her words provide that first glimpse of wisdom for those who may be walking in darkness and don't know it. Now of course, there are others who have and will continue to come behind and alongside her in this role, but her space can never be filled because it was created especially for her wisdom, insight, and purpose.

Here are some images of that fly girl.