All I Need To Get By

Occasionally, especially when I'm a bit fed up, I like to blast out my music and dance round the living room. It always has the desired effect of lifting my mood, and in choosing what to play I often rediscover forgotten treasures. 

The other day I sought out my old soul and funk records (1970s vinyl) and found, stuffed inside my well-worn copy of Marvin Gaye's double album 'Anthology', a programme for  his concert in 1981 at Bradford's St George's Hall. I sat in the dress circle, only a few feet away from my idol below, but was so envious of the girl he pulled up from the stalls to dance with him on stage to '"Let's Get It On". I do, however, feel so privileged to have been able to see Marvin Gaye perform live, as he died three years later, aged only 45, shot by his father.

One of my all time favourite tracks is 'You're All I Need To Get By' which Marvin Gaye sang with Tammi Terrell. She also died too young, aged 24. Listen to the track here and watch a great video here of the pair singing "Ain't No Mountain High Enough" (still the best version, despite all the covers).

Writing prompts:

• Do you have any 'dancing round the living room' moments? Write about what you do when a bit fed up to lift your mood.
• What one thing do you "need to get by" in life? Write about it now for six minutes.
• What moment has there been in your life when you have felt pleased, and perhaps privileged, to see one of your idols. Recall the memory in your writing.