Marvin Pentz Gaye was born in 1939 in Washington in a family of Christians. Since three years sang in church chorus, then the teenager learned to play organ. By 15th years has mastered keyboard and shock and "rhythm-and-blues" acted with various street Black groups, including «The Rainbows» and «Moonglows», playing style. In 1957 has joined group "Marquees" which executed romantic jazz ballads and even has let out one album. In 1961 Marvin has noticed Berry Gordi, the founder of sound recording label Motown Records which has amazed its fine young voice with a range in three octaves, and has offered the contract.

With 1962 on 1965 Marvin Gaye continued to work mainly in style "rhythm-and-blues", its most known compositions were «Can I get a witness» (1963) and «Stubborn kind of fellow», entered in ðýá TOP10. Then on producer's idea Motown Marvin starts to register a duet with such known performers as Mary Wells, kim Weston and Tammi Terrell. Among its compositions there were basically romantic blueses and rhythmical dancing jazz suites, including well-known «Baby don’t do it» (1967). In 1970, after tragical  destruction of last partner Tammi Terrell from a stroke directly on a scene, Marvin sharply changes the style. Its new album «What’s going on» (1971), representing a mix of a jazz, funk and classics, mentioned many serious problems, such as racism and a narcotism. Despite fears Motown Records, this album made enormous success. Especially the funk composition «Mercy, mercy me» was popular. Thanks to an exit of this album Marvin Gaye gradually achieves creative and financial independence from Motown. Hide review