Songwriter and singer Ed Townsend was born in Fayetteville, Tennessee in 1929. Growing up he was very active in his minister father’s church. He graduated from Arkansas State University before enlisting in the Marines.

He served in Korea and earned a purple heart, rising to the rank of Cpl. 

Most famous for writing the legendary song “Let’s Get It On” performed by Marvin Gaye, he also heavily contributing to the first half of the album of the same name. Rolling Stone Magazine ranks the album in the top 10 of all soul albums. 

In contrast it’s sexual theme, Townsend said the inspiration for the song came from his drive to “live life” and overcome his alcohol addiction. 
"It was about the business of life - life is life and let's get on with it," he said.
The song’s second verse is:
“We're all sensitive people
With so much to give
Understand me, sugar
Since we've got to be here
Let's live
I love you.”

Townsend had his own hit with “For Your Love” which reached #13 in 1958 (He performed it on the Ed Sullivan Show). 
In all, he wrote over 200 songs. Some were performed by Nat King Cole and Etta James.

In 1990 he started his recovery at the Los Angeles Salvation Army Center and spent the rest of his life helping others recover. In 2001 he set up a charity, EBT New Life Inc. and founded 12 Step Records. 

He died August 13, 2003 at the age of 74. He left a wife and four children. 

Townsend's columbarium niche. It says "Let's get it on" along with his birth/death year, rank

A picture of Townsend early in his career. It's black and white and he's wearing a suit

Townsend's first album. He's in a white shirt, tie, black vest and a grey fedora hat

The cover to Townsend's album "new in town" it's a painting with him in front, art deco club behind

Townsend album cover "Now" he's coming out of a limo and a man holds the door.

Riverside National Cemetery

NCA Notable Person -- Edward Benjamin Townsend.pdf

edward benjamin townsend's Profile Picture

EDWARD BENJAMIN TOWNSEND

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