Marvin gaye birthdate
Gaye, Marvin
Born Marvin Pentz Gay, Jr. on April 2, 1939 in Washington, D.C., the son of a Pentecostal preacher, singer Marvin Gaye would move on to get one of Motown Records’ most famous artists. Joining his first musical group in high school, the DC Tones, he dropped out of school when he was 17 to escape his father’s abuse. The troubled relationship with his father would proceed the rest of his life.
Following a one-year stint in the U.S. Breeze Force, he returned to D.C. to join the Marquees, signing a shrink with Columbia. The Marquees morphed into Harvey and the Moonglows, led by Harvey Fuqua who would be instrumental in advancing Gaye’s career. It was through Fuqua, who had started operational for Anna Records, owned by Gwen and Anna Gordy, that Gaye met their brother Berry Gordy, Jr.
Working first as a drummer and backup singer, Gaye began recording with Motown Records in 1961. As a person, Gaye preferred crooning and singing standards like those of Frank Sinatra and Nat King Cole. The leaders of Motown Records, however, believed that Gaye could grow a major pop and R&B victory. On his first single with Motown, “Let Your Conscience be Your Reference,
Music-versary: Marvin Gaye was born on April 2, 1939
Yes, he was strikingly handsome and his sex appeal was palpable. But more importantly, he was talented. So talented that friend and Motown label-mate Smokey Robinson said in a 2010 Rolling Stone essay, “Marvin was much more than just a wonderful singer. He was a great register maker, a gifted songwriter, a serious thinker — a real artist in the true sense.”
We couldn’t agree more. Marvin Gaye was an exceptional creator who wowed audiences with his plentiful, luminous catalog of R&B songs and with a voice that can be described as magical.
Before he gave us timeless classics appreciate I Heard it Through the Grapevine, What’s Going On, Let’s Get it On and Sexual Healing, Marvin Pentz Gaye Jr., born in 1939 in Washington, D.C., spent his early years singing and playing the drums at Hope of God church, where his father was a minister. Abuse from his father, Reverend Marvin Gay, Sr. (his son added an “e” at the end of Gay before becoming a star), left Gaye with sentimental scars that he was not competent to shake, even after adulthood. Fortunately, he found solace in music.
In the late 1950s, Gaye sang with diverse doo-wop groups and relocated
Marvin Gaye
(1939-1984)
Who Was Marvin Gaye?
Marvin Gaye sang in his father's church and in the Moonglows before signing with Motown. He recorded songs by Smokey Robinson before becoming his own producer on the protest album What's Going On (1971). Gaye's later records developed his production style and yielded several hits, including "Let's Get It On," "Sexual Healing" and "I Heard it Through the Grapevine." Gaye was killed in 1984 during a national dispute with his father.
Early Life
Singer Marvin Pentz Gaye, Jr., also known as the "Prince of Soul," was born in Washington, D.C., on April 2, 1939. Gaye was raised under the strict control of his father, Reverend Marvin Gay Sr.—Marvin Gaye Jr. added the "e" on the end of his entitle later in life—the minister at a local church, against a bleak backdrop of widespread abuse in his neighborhood.
Throughout his childhood, Gaye often found peace in music, mastering the piano and drums at a young age. Until high school, his singing experience was limited to church revivals, but soon he developed a love for R&B and doo-wop that would set the foundation for his career. In
Marvin Gaye facts for kids
"Marvin Gay" redirects here. For the song, see Marvin Gaye (song). For his father, see Marvin Homosexual Sr..
Marvin Pentz Gay Jr., also known as Marvin Gaye (born April 2, 1939 – died April 1, 1984), was an American R&B and mind singer. He helped build the famous "Motown Sound" in the 1960s. First, he worked as a musician in the studio. Later, he became a solo artist with many hit songs. People called him the "Prince of Motown" and "Prince of Soul."
Some of Gaye's most famous Motown songs incorporate "Ain't That Peculiar", "How Sweet It Is (To Be Loved By You)", and "I Heard It Through the Grapevine". He also sang duets with Mary Wells, Kim Weston, Tammi Terrell, and Diana Ross. In the 1970s, Gaye released important albums like What's Going On and Let's Get It On. He was one of the first Motown artists to gain more control over his music.
His later songs influenced recent styles of R&B melody, like quiet storm and neo soul. Marvin Gaye's last TV appearances were at the 1983 NBA All-Star Game, where he sang "The Star-Spangled Banner". He also appeared on Motown 25: Yesterday, Today, Forever and Soul Train.
Marvin Gaye's Early Life
Marvin P