Mercy, Mercy Me: The Art, Loves and Demons of Marvin Gaye

Mr. Dyson at times nails the head so hard that you may think you are right there in the middle of it all. So speaking of Marvin's life that you would think Dyson was at Marvin's side. Sadly, Marvin has been gone for almost 30 years. I almost took a day off of work to mourn, that is how Marvin affected my life. His music was varied, but effective.To the Motown collector, much of the information here is commonplace. If you read one book about the label, much inside the cover here is familiar. Otherwise, the truths about Marvin's upbringing, and sexual abuse against him from family members was a shock to read. Also was the short amount of time Marvin recorded one of pop music's most embraced album's, 'What's Going On'. In a matter of a week, Marvin's masterpiece was in place, and to much surprise, Motown's label owner Berry Gordy, Jr. refused to release it.So, we almost lost a masterpiece, if it wasn't for those within the company who saw much potential in the work. This book takes us before that release, and much during, and of course, the aftermath, up until his death at the hands of his father.The author makes this book a fast and easy read.There are times where he may take us to an aside, like ranting about a comparison to R. Kelly, which was a little annoying, but nonetheless, you will enjoy this semi-biography about one of pop music's legends.

Michael Dyson is such a great author and activist. He really knows the ups and downs of Marvin Gaye's life. Oh that's such a blessing I think every Marvin Gaye fan should get this just b/c they wanna learn more 'bout this man. 2 me he's one of my idols I grew up 'cuz he's such an inspiration. This book tells it all from his days of sex, drugs, violence, threats between his dad, how he got involved in the resurrection of life and death and the coming side of R. Kelly's admirer of Gaye. You see Marvin never say "Give up on what u got". No he saids "Take it lightly and slowly when u dead and gone". That's why we need to check ourselves everyday to the fullest until we live this normal or martyred life. I haven't bought the book yet but I'll may go it ASAP once it's still here. This is such an interesting story from the man who did the lifetimes of Tupac Shakur, black women, black people, the culture of our nation and black music and now. Definitely recommend along w/ Mase's memoir and Miles' memoir.

This book had very little about Marvin Gaye's thoughts or feelings or relationships. It was highly focused on his music and musical partners. It overanalyzed (in my humble opinion) Marvin's greatest album What's Going On such that even MG devotees like myself found it boring. I skimmed the second half of the book, realizing it wasn't going to change.

When I read the reviews it said it was more for the musicologist. Well I thought that's ok I am interested and I wanted to read. It was for me a difficult book to get thru absolutely for the musicologist which I am not !! But I read first time highlighted and went back and read again. Very detailed, informative, and interesting. If you are a true fan and already know a lot about music period this is a great book. I have also read his autobiography which was easier to read and very interesting. Not as many facts about each song and comparisons. If you love Marvin Gaye read both books !!!

Great historical perspective by an EXCELLENT author.

in a new way. Creativity like Marvin Gaye's comes from many sources, especially when he had so many difficult relationships, with women, his family, and with himself.I found this book to be moving and insightful.I'd never really considered Gaye's influence on R, Kelly, either, although I'm not sure if I had that I would have considered at the length that Dyson does, but I do appreciate his willingness to forgive his subjects.

I just started reading the book and the words come to life. The author's detailed description of Marvin's creative process and the interviews are astounding. The stories behind the scenes reveals how a brilliant mind conceives and produces musical masterpieces. His songs are still being played on the radio and my appreciation for his genius is even greater now.

I ordered it on behalf of a friend who wanted this book as a birthday gift for someone else. I had it shipped to her house and it arrived before time.She was happy about the condition of the book- wrapped in package, brand new as stayed.She may order from Amazon and your company herself from now on.

this book about Marvin Gaye was not what I expected the author went on about R Kelly for far too longand not really about MG arts loves and demons very disappointed with this to be honest

Great book about a great man!

This book provides intriguing reflections on Marvin Gaye's musical evolution in the context of the culture in which he lived and how it impacted his work and how his work impacted culture.

It is ok

Bought as a gift, a brilliant read