Historical Figure
Marvin Gaye
d. 1984
American singer and songwriter (1939–1984)
Talk to Marvin Gaye
Have a conversation with this historical figure through AI
Biography
Marvin Pentz Gaye Jr. was an American singer, songwriter, musician and record producer. Commonly referred to as the "Prince of Motown" and "Prince of Soul", he helped to shape the sound of Motown and soul music in the 1960s. A cultural icon, Gaye is often considered one of the greatest singers and songwriters of all time.
Timeline
The story of Marvin Gaye, told in moments.
Born Marvin Pentz Gay Jr. in Washington, D.C. His father was a Pentecostal minister who beat him regularly. The boy sang in church from age three. He added the 'e' to his last name later, partly to distance himself from his father.
Signs with Motown. Berry Gordy's label. He wants to be a jazz singer. Gordy makes him sing pop. He fights it, then stops fighting. 'How Sweet It Is' hits number one. He marries Gordy's sister Anna, who's 17 years older.
Releases What's Going On. Motown doesn't want it. Too political. Too experimental. He records it anyway and refuses to deliver anything else until they release it. It sells two million copies in weeks. War. Poverty. Ecology. The whole album plays like a single conversation.
Living in Belgium, broke, addicted to cocaine. He records 'Sexual Healing' in a Belgian studio. It wins two Grammys. His comeback is real. But so is the paranoia. He keeps a gun and paces his room at night.
Shot twice by his own father in the family home on Gramercy Place in Los Angeles. The day before his 45th birthday. The argument had been building for years. His father uses a gun Marvin gave him four months earlier. Marvin Gay Sr. pleads guilty to voluntary manslaughter. Brain tumor, the defense says.
In Their Own Words (20)
Ooh, baby let's get down tonight Baby I'm hot just like an oven I need some lovin' And baby, I can't hold it much longer It's getting stronger and stronger And when I get that feeling I want Sexual Healing. Sexual Healing, baby Makes me feel so fine Helps to relieve my mind.Sexual Healing baby, is good for me Sexual Healing is something that's good for me.
Sexual Healing, co-written with Odell Brown and David Ritz., 1982
My baby ohhhCome take control, just grab a holdOf my body and mind; soon we'll be making itHoney, oh we're feeling fineYou're my medicine. Open up and let me in.Darling, you're so great;I can't wait for you to operate.
Sexual Healing., 1982
Get up, Get up, Get up, Get up, let's make love tonight Wake up, Wake up, Wake up, Wake up, 'cos you do it right.
Sexual Healing., 1982
Ooo remember, baby, how you made me feel just like a king?Ah, I've been waitingI'm ready for you to start doin' the thingsSo I'll know you're mine.You're so fine, so petite, oh candy sweet.Ah, I've been waiting.Come here, baby, get to this.
Come Get to This., 1973
Oh, If I should die tonightOh baby, though it be far before my timeI won't die blue, sugar yeah'Cause I've known you.
If I Should Die Tonight, co-written with Ed Townsend., 1973
Artifacts (15)
More from the Late 20th Century
Explore what happened on the days that shaped Marvin Gaye's life. Today In History connects historical figures with the events, births, and deaths that defined their era. Browse all historical figures or explore today's events.