Marvin Gaye's real name was Marvin Pentz Gay Jr.. He was born on April 2nd, 1939, & died on April 1st, 1984.
This man was a master of soul but with a very troubled background. Throughout his life he was torn between the Bible and the bedroom. Heavily into drugs, involved in a failing marriage and $4 million in debt, he was shot by his father (a preacher) after a heated argument on a Sunday morning. Gaye's career took a dive in the 70's but then in 1982 had a smash with Sexual Healing. That year, he returned to the US and went on tour which was a failure. Broke, he returned to live with his parents until that fateful day. A truly great soul singer.

•Started out singing doo-wop in The Moonglows.
•His first wife, Anna, was the sister of Motown boss Berry Gordy.
•Had hit duets with Tami Terrell, Mary Wells, Kim Weston and Diana Ross.
•Wrote the soundtrack to the 1973 blaxploitation film "Troubleman."
•Female punks The Slits did a great cover of "Heard It Through The Grapevine."
•Recorded most of his last album "Midnight Love," in Belgium
•He was murdered by his father the day before his 45th birthday.