Marvin Gaye (Born 02/04/1939, Died 01/04/1984)

When he first recorded in his own right, it was in the jazz tinged style of Nat King Cole, a style he always revered and to which he liked to return, even if in the future it would be stamped with his own unique imprint. He first hit the charts in 1962 with 'Stubborn Kind Of Fellow' and 'Hitch Hike'. From 1963 through to 68 there were a steady stream of pop and R&B successes, including 'How Sweet It Is', 'I'll Be Doggone', 'Ain't That Peculiar' and of course 'I Heard It Through The Grapevine', which had the dubious distinction of being one of the early soundtrack examples of a particular brand of jeans advert. He also established wonderful musical partnerships with the likes of Tammi Terrell and Kim Weston which set the standard for musical duets. There are many compilations available which showcase Gaye's career, including the excellent Motown collection "Anthology". There is now a 2CD "Very Best Of" which, to all intents and purposes, replaces the Anthology release.

The success of the Grapevine single gave Gaye the kudos and freedom to pursue his own musical style independently of the usual Motown machine. And it's the next stage of his career which sets him apart and affords him a special place in soul music history. He established complete artistic control over his output and in 1971 he wrote and produced the wonderful "What's Going On?". Almost on its own, it altered most people's perception of both Gaye and soul music in general, even though Motown and especially Berry Gordy were extremely reluctant to release it. An album which addressed a wide range of social and political issues of the time it proved the catalyst for other artists (such as Stevie Wonder and Diana Ross) to gain more control over their own destiny.
"Trouble Man" and "Let's Get It On" followed in similar vein. He carried on throughout the 70s and in 1979 struck another first with a selection of highly personal songs on "Here My Dear", the royalties of which went to his recently divorced wife, Anna.

An important artist for his fine early material, his ground breaking moves to forge independence and his later highly singular and personal material which so obviously reflected the personal demons in his private life.
Daryl Hall, a long time admirer, summed it up well when he said "He managed to take a mostly sad life and turn it into a thing of everlasting beauty through his amazing voice."

A significant artist, a man whose fabulous talent and all too human flaws worked together for the sake of the song. If you want more than the hits packages or the Motown anthology, the 4 CD Box Set "Marvin Gaye - The Master 1961-1984" (on Motown 31453 0492 2) is a fine tribute to the man and his music.