Marvin Gaye gave Motown some of its smoothest hits, then changed what a soul album could be. What's Going On (1971) turned the charts towards real-world issues, and decades later it is still named among the greatest records ever made.
From church choirs in Washington, D.C. to Grammy glory, this is the story of the Prince of Motown. See our tribute designs in the R&B music collection.
Marvin Gaye Fact File
| Full name | Marvin Pentz Gay Jr. (later spelled Gaye) |
|---|---|
| Born | 2 April 1939 |
| Place of birth | Washington, D.C., USA |
| Died | 1 April 1984, Los Angeles (aged 44) |
| Nationality | American |
| Occupation | Singer, songwriter, producer |
| Years active | 1957-1984 |
| Genres | Soul, R&B, Motown |
| Labels | Tamla/Motown, Columbia |
| Signature album | What's Going On (1971) |
| Nickname | The Prince of Motown, the Prince of Soul |
Career History
| Years | Label | Key albums and hits |
|---|---|---|
| 1961-1966 | Tamla/Motown | "How Sweet It Is (to Be Loved by You)", "Ain't That Peculiar" |
| 1967-1969 | Tamla/Motown, with Tammi Terrell | "Ain't No Mountain High Enough", "You're All I Need to Get By" |
| 1968 | Tamla/Motown | "I Heard It Through the Grapevine" (US No. 1) |
| 1971-1978 | Tamla/Motown | What's Going On (1971), Let's Get It On (1973), I Want You (1976), Here, My Dear (1978) |
| 1982 | Columbia | Midnight Love (1982), featuring "Sexual Healing" |
A selection of key releases rather than a full discography. US No. 1 refers to the Billboard Hot 100.
Early Years: From Church to Motown
Marvin Gay Jr. was born in Washington, D.C. and grew up singing in church. He later added an 'e' to his surname and, after a spell in vocal groups, signed to Berry Gordy's Motown set-up in 1960.
Hits like "How Sweet It Is (to Be Loved by You)" and "Ain't That Peculiar" made him one of Motown's leading men.
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Breakthrough: Duets and the Grapevine
His duets with Tammi Terrell, including "Ain't No Mountain High Enough" and "You're All I Need to Get By", remain some of the most loved recordings in soul music.
In 1968 "I Heard It Through the Grapevine" went to No. 1 in the US and became one of the biggest hits in Motown's history.
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Peak: What's Going On
In 1971 he took control of his own sound with What's Going On, a concept album inspired in part by letters from his brother Frankie, who was serving in Vietnam. Motown was nervous, but the album was a huge success, and in 2020 Rolling Stone ranked it No. 1 on its list of the 500 Greatest Albums of All Time.
Let's Get It On (1973) and "Got to Give It Up" (1977) were also US No. 1 hits.
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Later Career: Midnight Love
After Here, My Dear (1978) and In Our Lifetime (1981) he left Motown for Columbia, and Midnight Love (1982) delivered "Sexual Healing", which earned him his first two Grammy Awards in 1983.
Marvin Gaye died in Los Angeles on 1 April 1984, the day before his 45th birthday. His influence on soul, R&B and hip hop is still heard everywhere.
Awards and Honours
Grammy Awards
- Two Grammy Awards in 1983, including Best Male R&B Vocal Performance for "Sexual Healing"
Halls of fame
- Rock and Roll Hall of Fame (1987)
- Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame
Chart achievements
- US No. 1 singles: "I Heard It Through the Grapevine", "Let's Get It On", "Got to Give It Up"
- What's Going On ranked No. 1 on Rolling Stone's 500 Greatest Albums list (2020)
Away From the Spotlight
Marvin Gaye's love of music began in church in Washington, D.C., and he remained proud of his hometown. His willingness to write about war, poverty and the environment on What's Going On opened the door for generations of artists to use their records to talk about the world around them.
FAQs
How old was Marvin Gaye when he died?
Marvin Gaye was 44 when he died in Los Angeles on 1 April 1984, one day before his 45th birthday.
What was Marvin Gaye's real name?
He was born Marvin Pentz Gay Jr. and later added an 'e' to his surname for his stage name.
Where was Marvin Gaye born?
He was born in Washington, D.C. on 2 April 1939.
What is Marvin Gaye's most famous album?
What's Going On (1971). It was ranked No. 1 on Rolling Stone's 2020 list of the 500 Greatest Albums of All Time.
Did Marvin Gaye win a Grammy?
Yes. He won two Grammy Awards in 1983 for "Sexual Healing", including Best Male R&B Vocal Performance.
Who sang duets with Marvin Gaye?
His best-known duet partner was Tammi Terrell, with hits including "Ain't No Mountain High Enough" and "You're All I Need to Get By".
Shop the Marvin Gaye Collection
These unofficial fan tribute designs are printed to order in the UK.
Marvin Gaye Men's Hoodie
£39.99
Explore more in our R&B music collection and the full music collection. And if you want your own name on the back, design a Custom Name Hoodie.
Part of our Icon Profiles series. Read next: Stevie Wonder Career Story and Prince Career Story.
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