Source: PA Images / Getty
Marvin Gaye stands as one of the most talented singers of his generation and his influence still shines brightly today. The R&B and Soul legend was shot and killed 35 years ago on April 1, 1964, and Twitter is reminiscing on Gaye’s lasting impression on what would have been his 80th his birthday.
Gaye was born Marvin Pentz Gay Jr. on April 2, 1939, in Washington, D.C. As a boy, he began singing in church and began to hone his talent. However, Gaye recalled later in life that his father brutally beat him well into his teenage years. After a failed stint in the military, Gaye began singing with a series of Washington, D.C. singing groups in the ’50s before joining Harvey Fuqua’s Moonglows group and moving to Chicago. After the group disbanded, Gaye traveled to Detroit with Fuqua and later signed with Motown subsidiary Tamla Records and the rest is history.
With over two dozen studio albums, four live albums, and over 80 singles, Gaye saw his career take a huge creative turn in 1971 with the release of the politically-charged What’s Going On. The shelved follow up to that album, 1972’s You’re The Man, was just released last weekend.
We’ve collected some of the Twitter responses remembering the great Marvin Gaye below.
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Photo: Getty
1.
Today’s the 35th anniversary of Marvin Gaye being shot and killed by his father. Tomorrow would have been his 80th birthday.
— Naima Cochrane (@naima) April 1, 2019
In tribute, today I’m listening to “You’re the Man,” the lost album recorded between “What’s Going On” & “Sexual Healing.”https://t.co/qKKDvxvxFk
2.
A happy 80th birthday to the true GOAT, Marvin Gaye. pic.twitter.com/Ra2ewovak7
— Dave Zirin (@EdgeofSports) April 2, 2019
3.
The USPS is releasing a new forever stamp in honor of Marvin Gaye today. What a cool way to honor one of the greatest singers ever on what would have been his 80th Birthday.
— DSVS (@DSVideoSoul) April 2, 2019
I preordered several sheets, but haven’t gotten them yet. “What’s Going On”. 😀 pic.twitter.com/dSWQz4tFVA
4.
Marvin Gaye born this day, 1939, Washington DC. Here's "Ain't No Mountain High Enough" in duet with Tammi Terrell, filmed April 1967 at Expo '67, Canada's World Fair, Montreal. pic.twitter.com/GnfgtsrZoJ
— Nikki Kreuzer (@NikkiKreuzer) April 2, 2019
5.
the one and only MARVIN GAYE who deserved so much more than this world could provide yet left a blueprint of soul that echoes through the ages • i feel a deep sense of pain for this aries as if my pain is his and his trials are my lessons • HAPPY 80th BIRTHDAY 🎂 R.I.H. 💔 pic.twitter.com/DdliJfy4du
— MAXWELL (@_MAXWELL_) April 2, 2019
6.
Remembering Marvin Gaye (April 2, 1939 - April 1, 1984) on what would have been his 80th birthday.
— Lorraine King (@lorrainemking) April 2, 2019
Incredible to think yesterday was the 35th anniversary of his tragic death - time flies.
May he continue to RIP ❤️🙏🏾 pic.twitter.com/fQW5c4H7Ql
7.
“An artist, if he is truly an artist, is only interested in one thing and that is to wake up the minds of men, to have mankind and womankind realize that there is something greater than what we see on the surface.” The late, legendary Marvin Gaye was born 80 years ago today. pic.twitter.com/Yn5O89KL7F
— Tribeca (@Tribeca) April 2, 2019
8.
🎶 "I want you and you want me.
— ᴅᴏʟʟᴀʀ (@callmedollar) April 2, 2019
So why don’t we get together after the dance?” 🎶
King of shooting his shot. Long live the legacy of Marvin Gaye (April 2, 1939 – April 1, 1984). pic.twitter.com/VKIpHNUjTt
9.
remembering Marvin Gaye today on what would have been his 80th Birthday #MarvinGaye pic.twitter.com/UFteEpMTOG
— soundstory (@soundstoryuk) April 2, 2019
10.
The late Marvin Gaye was born today in 1939. Gaye helped to shape the sound of Motown in the '60s. In 1982 he released the Grammy Award-winning hit "Sexual Healing". #80s #80smusic pic.twitter.com/DZHFOSCydP
— LandOfThe80s (@landofthe80s) April 2, 2019