Marvin Pentz Gaye Jr. (born Gay; 2 April 1939 – 1 April 1984) was an American singer, songwriter, musician and record producer. Often referred to as the "Prince of Motown" and the "Prince of Soul", he played a significant role in shaping the sound of Motown and soul music during the 1960s. He is regarded as an influential and widely recognised figure in popular music.
Born and raised in Washington, D.C., Gaye began his career under the guidance of Harvey Fuqua, joining the group Harvey and the Moonglows before embarking on a solo career in the early 1960s. After signing with Motown’s Tamla label, he achieved commercial success with singles including "How Sweet It Is (to Be Loved by You)", "Ain't That Peculiar" and "I Heard It Through the Grapevine". He also recorded a series of successful duets with female artists, notably Diana Ross and Tammi Terrell, with whom he recorded songs such as "Ain't No Mountain High Enough" and "You're All I Need to Get By". Following the release of "What's Going On" (1971), he gained greater creative control over his work and subsequently produced albums including "Let's Get It On", "I Want You" and "Here, My Dear".
After a period living in Europe as a tax exile, Gaye left Motown and signed with Columbia Records in 1982. That year, he released "Midnight Love", which included the single "Sexual Healing", one of his most commercially successful recordings. In 1983, he performed "The Star-Spangled Banner" at the NBA All-Star Game. The success of "Sexual Healing" led to him receiving an American Music Award and two Grammy Awards.
On 1 April 1984, Gaye was shot and killed by his father, Marvin Gay Sr., at his parents’ home in Los Angeles, one day before his 45th birthday.
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