Marvin Gaye is often referred to as the "Prince of Motown" and "Prince of Soul," highlighting his significant impact on music.
He received the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award, recognizing his lasting influence in the music industry.
Gaye was honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, celebrating his contributions to entertainment.
Biography
Early Life
Marvin Pentz Gaye Jr. was born on April 2, 1939, in Washington, D.C., to Marvin Gay Sr., a church minister, and Alberta Gay, a domestic worker. Growing up in a public housing project known as "Simple City," Gaye faced a challenging environment but found solace in music, singing in church from the age of four. His early exposure to music was heavily influenced by his family's strict Pentecostal beliefs, which shaped his artistic sensibilities and love for performance.
Career
After serving in the Air Force, Gaye began his music career by forming a vocal group called the Marquees. His journey led him to Motown, where he became a pivotal figure in shaping the sound of R&B and soul music during the 1960s and 1970s. Gaye's early work included hits like "How Sweet It Is to Be Loved by You" and the iconic album "What's Going On," which addressed social issues and showcased his artistic evolution. Over his career, he released numerous acclaimed albums, including "Let's Get It On" and "I Want You," solidifying his status as a cultural icon and earning him multiple awards, including a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award.
Personal Life
Gaye's personal life was marked by two tumultuous marriages, first to Anna Gordy and later to Janis Hunter, with whom he had three children. His relationships were often fraught with challenges, reflecting the complexities of his life as a public figure. Despite these struggles, Gaye's legacy as a musician remains unparalleled, influencing countless artists and earning him a place in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. His contributions to music and culture continue to resonate, making him one of the greatest singers and songwriters of all time.
Collected from open sources (4) · facts link to sources · AI-processed
Discography
Vulnerable1997
- 1.Why Did I Choose You2:39
- 2.She Needs Me3:26
- 3.Funny, Not Much2:44
- 4.This Will Make You Laugh2:54
- 5.The Shadow of Your Smile3:08
- 6.I Wish I Didn't Love You So2:35
- 7.I Won't Cry Anymore3:00
- 8.Why Did I Choose You (alternate vocal performance)2:37
- 9.I Wish I Didn't Love You So (alternate vocal performance)2:37
- 10.I Won't Cry Anymore (alternate vocal performance)2:53
Romantically Yours1985
- 1.More2:42
- 2.Why Did I Choose You?2:39
- 3.Maria3:07
- 4.The Shadow of Your Smile3:03
- 5.Fly Me to the Moon (In Other Words)3:20
- 6.I Won't Cry Anymore2:45
- 7.Just Like4:08
- 8.Walkin' in the Rain2:54
- 9.I Live for You2:42
- 10.Stranger in My Life3:44
- 11.Happy Go Lucky2:34
Dream of a Lifetime1985
- 1.Sanctified Lady5:26
- 2.Savage in the Sack3:21
- 3.Masochistic Beauty4:42
- 4.It’s Madness3:23
- 5.Ain’t It Funny (How Things Turn Around)4:55
- 6.Symphony2:53
- 7.Life’s Opera7:42
- 8.Dream of a Lifetime3:49
Midnight Love1982
- 1.Midnight Lady5:18
- 2.Sexual Healing4:00
- 3.Rockin’ After Midnight6:04
- 4.’Til Tomorrow4:59
- 5.Turn On Some Music5:09
- 6.Third World Girl4:36
- 7.Joy4:24
- 8.My Love is Waiting5:08
In Our Lifetime1981
- 1.Praise4:49
- 2.Life Is for Learning3:39
- 3.Love Party4:55
- 4.Funk Me5:32
- 5.Far Cry4:26
- 6.Love Me Now or Love Me Later5:00
- 7.Heavy Love Affair3:46
- 8.In Our Lifetime6:56
Here, My Dear1978
- 1.Here, My Dear2:48
- 2.I Met a Little Girl4:58
- 3.When Did You Stop Loving Me, When Did I Stop Loving You6:11
- 4.Anger3:58
- 5.Is That Enough7:42
- 6.Everybody Needs Love5:41
- 7.Time to Get It Together3:51
- 8.Sparrow6:06
- 9.Anna's Song5:49
- 10.When Did You Stop Loving Me, When Did I Stop Loving You (instrumental)5:59
- 11.A Funky Space Reincarnation8:12
- 12.You Can Leave, But It's Going to Cost You5:27
- 13.Falling in Love Again4:36
- 14.When Did You Stop Loving Me, When Did I Stop Loving You (reprise)0:40
I Want You1976
- 1.I Want You (vocal)4:35
- 2.Come Live With Me Angel6:30
- 3.After the Dance (instrumental)4:25
- 4.Feel All My Love Inside3:23
- 5.I Wanna Be Where You Are1:18
- 6.I Want You (intro jam)0:20
- 7.All the Way Around3:50
- 8.Since I Had You4:06
- 9.Soon I’ll Be Loving You Again3:15
- 10.I Want You (intro jam)1:41
- 11.After the Dance (vocal)4:40
Diana & Marvin1973
- 1.You Are Everything3:11
- 2.Love Twins3:30
- 3.Don’t Knock My Love2:22
- 4.You’re a Special Part of Me3:40
- 5.Pledging My Love3:36
- 6.Just Say, Just Say4:13
- 7.Stop, Look, Listen (To Your Heart)2:57
- 8.I’m Falling in Love With You2:44
- 9.My Mistake (Was to Love You)2:58
- 10.Include Me in Your Life3:08
Let’s Get It On1973
- 1.Let’s Get It On4:51
- 2.Please Stay (Once You Go Away)3:28
- 3.If I Should Die Tonight4:01
- 4.Keep Gettin’ It On3:13
- 5.Come Get to This2:41
- 6.Distant Lover4:17
- 7.You Sure Love to Ball4:46
- 8.Just to Keep You Satisfied4:27
What’s Going On1971
- 1.What’s Going On4:00
- 2.What’s Happening Brother2:57
- 3.Flyin’ High (in the Friendly Sky)3:40
- 4.Save the Children4:06
- 5.God Is Love1:44
- 6.Mercy Mercy Me (The Ecology)3:03
- 7.Right On7:15
- 8.Wholy Holy3:06
- 9.Inner City Blues (Make Me Wanna Holler)5:30
That’s the Way Love Is1970
- 1.Gonna Give Her All the Love I’ve Got3:25
- 2.Yesterday3:27
- 3.Groovin’2:58
- 4.I Wish It Would Rain2:52
- 5.That’s the Way Love Is3:36
- 6.How Can I Forget2:06
- 7.Abraham, Martin and John4:33
- 8.Gonna Keep on Tryin’ Till I Win Your Love2:48
- 9.No Time for Tears2:21
- 10.Cloud Nine3:21
- 11.Don’t You Miss Me a Little Bit Baby2:17
- 12.So Long2:27
M.P.G.1969
Tracklist not collected yet.
Easy1969
- 1.Good Lovin' Ain't Easy to Come By2:52
- 2.California Soul2:46
- 3.Love Woke Me Up This Morning2:29
- 4.This Poor Heart of Mine2:39
- 5.I'm Your Puppet2:56
- 6.The Onion Song2:55
- 7.What You Gave Me2:40
- 8.Baby I Need Your Loving2:59
- 9.I Can't Believe You Love Me2:42
- 10.How You Gonna Keep It (After You Get It)2:49
- 11.More, More, More2:29
- 12.Satisfied Feelin'2:50
In the Groove1968
Tracklist not collected yet.
You’re All I Need1968
Tracklist not collected yet.
United1967
Tracklist not collected yet.
Moods of Marvin Gaye1966
Tracklist not collected yet.
Take Two1966
Tracklist not collected yet.
A Tribute to the Great Nat King Cole1965
Tracklist not collected yet.
How Sweet It Is to Be Loved by You1965
Tracklist not collected yet.
When I’m Alone I Cry1964
Tracklist not collected yet.
Together1964
Tracklist not collected yet.
Hello Broadway1964
Tracklist not collected yet.
That Stubborn Kinda’ Fellow1963
Tracklist not collected yet.
The Soulful Moods of Marvin Gaye1961
Tracklist not collected yet.
Gallery
Label
- Record label
- Motown
- Record label
- Columbia Records
Achievements
- Award
- Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award
- Award
- star on Hollywood Walk of Fame
- Award
- Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
Influenced by
Similar artists
Archive
Passport
Identifiers & aliases
Also known as: Marvin Gay, Marvin P. Gaye, Marvin Pentz Gay, Jr., Marvine Gaye, Marving Gaye
Marvin Pentz Gaye Jr. was an American R&B and soul 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 and 1970s. A cultural icon, Gaye is often considered one of the greatest singers and songwriters of all time.
Opinions of fans — not verified facts.
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