The Marvin Gaye Story - A Legend in His Own Time

Legendary R&B crooner Marvin Gaye, was one of the most talented and soulful artist of our time. Not only was he a gifted singer, he also played piano and drums. Additionally, he produced and arranged songs for other artists. Many know him as the Motown great who spawned such hits as "Stubborn Kind of Fellow", "Pride and Joy", and "I Heard It Through the Grapevine". Few, however, know about his troubled childhood and years of frustration.

Born, Marvin Pentz Gay, Jr. on April 1, 1939 to a strict, Pentecostal minister, for whom he was named (Marvin later added the "e" to his surname to avoid negative sexual stereotyping), he started singing in his father's church at the tender age of 3. Young Marvin loved to sing; this greatly pleased his father, who was rarely satisfied with any of Marvin's later accomplishments. In fact, Marvin was often the object of his father's criticism and strict discipline, as were the other Gay children. It became obvious early on, that Marvin was not going to be totally submissive to his father. Instead, young Marvin tended to be rebellious and stubborn, traits which spilled over into his adult life.

As a teenager, Marvin formed his first singing group, "The Marquees". Soon after, he was discovered by Harvey Fuqua. Harvey's own group, "The Moonglows" were threatening to disband, and this gave him a chance to manage Marvin.

During the course of his musical experiences, Harvey became attracted to Gwen Gordy, Berry Gordy's sister. (Berry Gordy is the founder of Motown, Detroit's premiere record company). Because of Fuqua's connections with Berry, it was inevitable that he should meet Marvin. And the rest is history.