Marvin Gaye was born in Washington D.C. 1939. He grew up singing in his fathers’ church and then went on to record his first record in Chicago. Marvin Gaye went on to record his first album The Soulful Moods of Marvin Gaye, which included songs like “My Funny Valentine” and “How High the Moon.”

When he turned 31 he wrote the album, What’s Going On. This album included the songs “What’s Going On” and “What’s Happening Brother.” At this time, Marvin Gaye took more creative control of his music and was able to release music that some believed to be the “most important and passionate record to come out of soul music.”

Gaye would also record hit’s, such as “My Mistake (Was to Love You).” He and fellow artist Tammi Terrell collaborated and scored major hits with “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough,” “Your Precious Love,” and “Ain’t Nothing Like The Real Thing,” among others. These songs are still popular today.

Gaye’s album, Midnight Love released in 1982 would be his last as his father shot and killed Marvin Gaye on August 1, 1984. Songs such as, “Midnight Lady”, “Rockin’ After Midnight” and “Til Tomorrow” were released on this final album.

Marvin Gaye’s life revolved around music, whether it was singing in a church choir or recording in the studio. Gaye’s impact on music was monumental and still is well known today.

References

“Marvin Gaye.” Motown Museum, https://www.motownmuseum.org/artist/marvin-gaye/. Accessed 22 May 2025.

“Marvin Gaye’s life and career timeline | American Masters.” PBS, 7 May 2008, https://www.pbs.org/wnet/americanmasters/marvin-gaye-career-timeline/74/. Accessed 22 May 2025.

Ritz, David. “Marvin Gaye | Biography, Songs, & Facts.” Britannica, 20 May 2025, https://www.britannica.com/biography/Marvin-Gaye. Accessed 22 May 2025.