Marvin Gaye

Born Apr. 2, 1939 in Wash., D.C.

Died 1984

Versatile vocalist nicknamed the “Prince of Motown” and “Prince of Soul.”

Session drummer for other Motown artists before recording his own hits, including “I Heard It Through The Grapevine,” “Sexual Healing” and “Ain’t That Peculiar.” 

His song “What’s Going On” was a response to escalating violence and political turmoil during the Vietnam War.

His final album, Midnight Love, earned him two Grammys and an American Music Award.