Marvin Gaye born Marvin Pentz Gay Jr would have been 81 years old today. He was born April 2, 1939 and he died on April 1, 1984 one day before what would have been his 45th birthday. Marvin was tragically shot and killed by his father. The legend of Motown Records left an enduring legacy of some of the best and most recognizable performances in music history despite his abbreviated career. What’s your favorite Marvin Gaye song?
My Favorite:
Some of Marvin Gaye’s most memorable performances:
1.
Gaye performed “The Star-Spangled Banner” before the 1983 NBA All-Star Game at The Forum in Los Angeles. One of the most memorable renditions of the anthem.
2.
In 1980 Gaye appeared at the Montreux Jazz Festival in Switzerland. Perhaps the most well-known song in his canon, this video of “I Heard It Through The Grapevine” was recorded live at Montreux Casino on July 7.
3.
“What’s Going On” was filmed during Gaye’s 1976 European tour. Sporting an iconic green tuxedo, the clip comes from October 10 at Jaap Edenhal in Amsterdam.
4.
Gaye was a performer in 1983 at the Grammy Awards show. The tuxedo-wearing vocalist belted out one of his most sensual hits, “Sexual Healing”.
