Marvin Gaye

Marvin Gaye, (April 2, 1939 – April 1, 1984) was Motown's biggest selling solo artist of the sixties. With a series of stunning singles, including "I heard it through the grapevine" and "How sweet it is (to be loved by you)", he almost singlehandedly redefined soul music and earned himself the title of "The Prince of Soul". At the start of the seventies he wrote and recorded some of his most personal and intense music, culminating with the brilliant album "What's Going On". Critically lauded, this is now recognised as one of the greatest soul albums ever released. The huge success of this album allowed Gaye to gain greater creative control over his music, and during the rest of the decade he released many classic soul tracks, such as "Let's Get It On", "Trouble Man", and the US & UK chart-topper "Got To Give It Up, Pt.1". Marvin Gaye carried on releasing records into the Eighties, including the 2-million-selling "Sexual Healing", before his untimely death in 1984 at the hands of his father.