Marvin's Room, a weekly show that explores the world of R&B, airs on CBC Radio 2 every Friday at 7:00 p.m. as well as 3:00 p.m on SiriusXM.
Marvin's Room with Amanda Parris on CBC, explores the world of R&B.
From neo-soul to trap soul and everything in between, Marvin's Room is a one-hour journey that not only brings back the old school but also introduces what's new. From Patti LaBelle to Party Next Door, host Amanda Parris is your guide for a whirlwind journey through R&B.
If you’re a soul music connoisseur, you may know that Marvin’s Room is the name of the legendary recording studio created by the late, great singer Marvin Gaye. Gaye pooled a ton of his personal fortune into creating his dream space. The result was a cross between a studio, a home and a dance club.
Gaye created some of his most legendary music within those walls, including his anti-disco disco hit, "Got to Give it Up"
Gaye also recorded his sensual 1976 masterpiece "I Want You" within the studio.
He welcomed a who’s who of Hollywood elite to party with him. People like Diana Ross, Muhammad Ali and Don Cornelius. Marvin’s Room was dubbed the Studio 54 of the West Coast because of its legendary parties.
It was a space of creativity and relaxation. Marvin’s Room was Gaye’s sanctuary. But his personal paradise was short-lived. Legal and financial troubles meant the foreclosure of his home, his cars and eventually Marvin’s Room. The sale crushed him.
In the late '90s, the studio was rescued and restored. It became the destination for some of the best R&B artists: Prince, Michael Jackson and Luther Vandross all went to the sanctuary to record.
Canada’s own Drake made it a personal mission to use the Marvin’s Room studios, and even named one of his top hits after the sacred space. "Marvin's Room" is about a drunken dial to an ex that didn’t go exactly as planned.
That’s the incredible thing about Drake: he can take a scenario that would be embarrassing to anybody else, find the emotional vulnerability, add some undeniable swag and suddenly, he’s made it cool.
Inspired by Gaye's dream and Drake's tribute, Marvin’s Room is your R&B sanctuary on CBC Radio.
More to explore
Rear View Mirror: The Man Behind Marvin Gaye’s 'I Want You,' Leon Ware
Rear-View Mirror: Stevie Wonder and Marvin Gaye’s Battle For Grammy Awards