Marvin Gaye

As the best selling Motown artist of all-time, Marvin Gaye's soulful voicehelped shape the "Motown Sound."

Born April 2, 1939, he grew up in a deeply religious family (his father, Marvin Sr., was an ordained minister). As a young man he traveled first to Chicago and later to Detroit with Harvey Fuqua, the leader of Harvey and the Moonglows, one of the East Coast's most notable doo-wop groups.

Marvin, along with the Moonglows, first recorded for Chess Records in 1959in Chicago. Later, Harvey, with Marvin in tow, eventually landed inDetroit. Under the tutelage and guidance of Motown founder Berry Gordy,Jr., Marvin began recording for Motown in 1961, releasing The SoulfulMoods Of Marvin Gaye.

With aspirations of becoming the next Nat King Cole, Gaye hit pay dirt in1964 with his duet album with Mary Wells, on which the tune "My Guy" becameMotown's third No. 1 hit. Gaye was repeatedly paired with femaleperformers, including Kim Weston, Tammi Terrell and Diana Ross.

The What's Going On album, recorded in 1971, focused on the issuesof the environment, the Vietnam War and the state of life in urban America.Featuring such Top 10 hits as "What's Going On," "Mercy Mercy Me (TheEcology)" and "Inner City Blues (Makes Me Want To Holler)," it was the first R&B "concept" album.

Gaye had an unsuccessful marriage to Gordy's sister, Anna. After some toughtimes, he won two Grammy awards--"Best R&B Vocal Performance, Male" and"Best R&B Instrumental Performance"--for the 1982 release SexualHealing.

Gaye was shot to death by his father in 1984, but his albums continue tosell successfully posthumously.

Discography: