Artist of the Week (Legend Series)- Marvin Gaye

April 1, 2011 will mark the 25^th anniversary of R&B legend, Marvin Gaye’s untimely death. Marvin was a man who was at odds with his family and with himself. Although he had dark moments in his life, it paper writing service was during those dark moments he released some of the most influential albums of all-time. This month, we reflect on the life and music of Mr. Marvin Gaye.

In 2008, Marvin Gaye was ranked the 6^th Greatest Singer of All-Time and the 18^th Greatest Artist of All-Time by Rolling Stone. Gaye’s rise as one of the greatest singers did not come without controversy and trouble. As we all know, Gaye was one of Motown’s first wave of great artists. He came to Motown in the mid-60’s and quickly entered the Doo-Wop genre. Although it wasn’t Gaye’s personal choice, it did put food on the table. Motown and Gaye had a problem, they were unsure of how to handle Gaye’s musical style. (Should he sing “standards” or should he sing more Doo-Wop?) The standards prevailed, and Gaye’s career soon flopped.

In 1964, Marvin married the president of Motown’s sister, Anna Gordy. The two had a love/hate relationship, which would all cumulate in one of the greatest albums ever released. In 1967, Gaye struck gold, when he recorded songs with a little known singer named Tami Terrell. With Gaye’s marriage on the rocks, there were rumors of Gaye and Terrell being more than duet partners. Terrell and Gaye began recording music together. Later that year, Terrell was diagnosed with a brain tumor and died in 1970. Upon her death, Gaye began his bout with depression; at one point, Gaye contemplated suicide.

Seeking more creative control, Gaye began to record an anti-Vietnam record, What’s Going On. Motown wanted to keep Gaye’s “Sex Symbol” image and discouraged him recording an anti-protest album. Gaye disagreed and continued with the project. The album is one of the most successful selling albums of all-time and one of the most highly acclaimed.

In 1972, Gaye split with Anna Gordy and moved from Detroit to Los Angeles. Far away from Motown, Gaye was able to explore his creative side, and also explore his drug abuse. Gaye began using drugs heavily at this point, yet delivered stellar albums along the way. He released Let’s Get it On, the duet album with Diana Ross, Marvin & Diana, and the highly sexual, I Want You. During the recording of Let’s Get It On, it was rumored that Gaye began a romantic relationship with 17 year old Janis Hunter. Their relationship became public after Gaye made reference to her in several tracks he recorded for the album, I Want You.

With a long divorce to Anna Gordy, Gaye was in debt (due to heavy gambling), addicted to drugs and unmotivated to make music. Anna Gordy was looking for more money from Gaye, so he decided to give proceeds from his next album to her. What happened next was music al magic; he recorded an album re-counting the events in their marriage (the good and the bad). The album was a commercial failure, but since has proved to be a Gaye classic. Click here for more in-depth article I wrote on this album.

After his split from Janice, Gaye left Motown, became broke, addicted to drugs and stopped singing. In 1982, clean and sober, Gaye started his comeback. He released his last album Midnight Love, which had the single “Sexual Healing.” Although Gaye was sober, he was still broke and suffered from depression. Gaye moved back to live with his parents. On the day before his birthday, Gaye was shot and killed by his father. He died tragically on April 1, 1984.

Although Gaye led a life filled with ups and downs, he left us all with a great legacy of music. Gaye is widely recognized for his contribution in R&B, and for his vocal talents. Gaye’s life parallels the lives of many of us. We can see Gaye and see the humanity and humility in his life. Gaye was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 1987.

Top 5 Songs

1. When Did You Stop Loving Me, When Did I Stop Loving You? ( released on: Here, My Dear)

2. Inner City Blues (Makes Me Wanna Holla) (released on:What’s Going On)

3. Since I Had You (released on: I Want You)

4. Your Precious Love (released on: United)

5. Is That Enough? (released on: Here, My Dear)

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