The Voice of a generation Marvin Gaye

Born 1939, in Washington D.C. His father was the minster of a local church Marvin sang, played piano and drums at an early age He joined a popular do wop group after graduating high school Marvin was quickly recognized and recruited to Motown Records Marvin Gaye

Married at the age of 23 to Anna Gordy who was 17 years his senior The couple adopted a baby boy and named him Marvin Gaye III Marvin made hit singles that referenced to Anna and his relationship with her They were married for 13 year before divorcing

After his divorce Marvin moved to California for a new start on life. He then met his second wife Janis whom he married after two years of dating. The couple had two children, Nona and Frankie. During their marriage Marvin and Janice were heavily involved in drugs. Two years later they divorced.

Self produced, the song “What’s going on” was one of Marvin’s biggest hit albums. This song gave the fans a social insight to what was really going on in the world at that time. Marvin wanted to write songs about the problems that were effecting the world Being so depressed in his own life, Marvin, wanted to write something more than just another love song

Inner City Blues Inner City Blues also called “Make Me Wanna Holler” was another hit single. Marvin wanted to send a message to the fans that they are not the only ones to feel the frustrations of society. Using the expression “Make me wanna holler” gave a direct example of the pain and stress he was also feeling.

Trouble Man Written and produced by Marvin himself Trouble man was made as the sound track for an old film also titled “Trouble Man”. Marvin called this song, one of the most honest recordings he had ever done. Making it to the top tens, this song would later become one of Marvin’s signature songs Marvin, Played the drums, piano and vocal on this song

In 1982 Marvin left Motown and became a part of a Columbia Records where he would work on another album, not realizing it would be his last album he would record. Midnight Love, was not only a new album with his new company, but it was the first to be nominated for a Grammy for best male R & B vocal performer. Marvin’s hit single Sexual Healing was listed album of the year in 1983 and still to date being one of the highest selling singles in R & B. This album is admired and looked at as being a leading example in mixing a mellow beat with a funky vibe. Marvin played the piano, drums, organ, bells, synths and bongos for this record.

Marvin moved to Europe, because of personal issues and financial problems he was going through. In addition, Marvin was also still very addicted to drugs at the time. This led him to become more and more paranoid, thinking that people were after him. He later returned to the United States to continue working on a new album

When he returned, he moved in to his parents home. Marvin and his father often fought due of all the child abuse Marvin had experienced at an early age. On April Marvin and his father had an arguing Being high on drugs Marvin started pushing and kicking his father causing his father to fight back. Once his mother intervened, Marvin backed off and his father went to another room After a few minutes Marvin senior returned to Marvin’s bedroom and shot him twice, killing him instantly. Marvin Senior

Marvin was and continues to be the voice of a generation. He brought the smooth sound of soul and mixed it with political events to show social and economical issues that plagued the Nation at it’s time. Marvin has since been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and continues to be one of the most influential artist in soul music.