Marillion singer Steve Hogarth counts Gaye as one of his favorite vocalists and in 1998 the band covered his classic song "Abraham, Martin & John" for their live album "Unplugged at the Walls".
Spandau Ballet songwriter Gary Kemp is a fan of Gaye's and mentioned him in the band's massive 1983 hit "True".
After a dispute, his father shot him twice in the chest, killing him instantly.
Biography in: "The Scribner Encyclopedia of American Lives". Volume One, 1981-1985, pages 311-313. New York: Charles Scribner's Sons, 1998.
Died the day before his 45th birthday
Discovered by Harvey Fuqua of The Moonglows. Fuqua took Gaye into the group in 1959 and about a year later brought him to Motown.
Elected to the Rock and Roll Hall Fame in 1987.
Ex-brother-in-law of Berry Gordy (the founder of Motown Records) and songwriter/actor Robert L. Gordy.
Father of Nona Gaye and Marvin Gaye III.
He added the "e" to the end of his name because he thought it looked more professional.
He was awarded a Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame for Recording at 1500 Vine Street in Hollywood, California.
He was so devastated by the death of singer Tammi Terrell in 1970 that he didn't record any new material or appear on stage for three years.
He was voted the 19th Greatest Rock 'n' Roll artist of all time by Rolling Stone.
His 1973 hit "Let's Get It On" was originally written as a political song.
His father, Marvin Pentz Gay, Sr., died in a nursing home at the age of 84 in October, 1998. Marvin Sr. had pleaded no contest and received five years probation for the murder of Marvin Jr.
His first wife was 17 years his senior and his second wife was 17 years his junior.
Lobbied Motown Records in 1971 for creative control on albums (as did Stevie Wonder). The first result was "What's Goin' On".
Mentioned by name in Joseph Lawrence's "Timeless".
Older brother of Frankie Gaye, cousin of Donnie.
Ranked #31 on VH1's 100 Sexiest Artists.