"Father, Father. We don’t need to escalate. War is not the answer. For only love can conquer hate." - from What’s Going On?
Named after his Pentecostal preacher father, Marvin Gay Sr. (the "e" was added later when he began his recording career), Gaye began his singing life in church. His smooth yet strong voice helped raise the spirits of his fellow parishioners.
Over time, Gaye became interested in the idea of being a professional singer. He eventually embarked on an incredibly successful journey.
The first stop on his trek to stardom was with a musical group called Harvey and the Moonglows. He recorded several tracks with the band when, in 1961, he caught the attention of Berry Gordy. The musical svengali signed Gaye to his legendary R&B record label, Motown Records. Gaye would go on to record numerous top-selling hits such as "How Sweet It Is (To Be Loved By You)," "You’re All I Need To Get By" and "I Heard It Through The Grapevine."
In just a matter of years, Marvin Gaye had become a star.
By 1968, unfortunately, Gaye experienced the first of many tragedies. While on stage in Cleveland, Ohio, his singing partner, 26-year-old Tammi Terrell, passed out. She had been stricken with a deadly brain tumor and literally died on stage, in Gaye’s arms. Though their relationship was strictly platonic, Gaye felt an immense love for Terrell and was devastated by her untimely death.
To escape his pain, he moved to London and went into seclusion. Eventually, Motown and Gordy came calling and reminded Gaye of his contractual obligation to release new material.
He responded with his first entirely self-penned and self-produced album, What’s Going On?
At first, the executives at Motown rejected Gaye’s submission. They finally relented, however, and What’s Going On? went on to become the best-selling Marvin Gaye album, as well as Motown’s best-selling record of all time.
Gaye’s concept album dissected the ills of modern society -- racial strife, environmental issues and war -- and turned them into the most powerful, heartfelt music of his career. The title track, "Mercy Mercy Me (The Ecology)," and "Inner City Blues (Make Me Wanna Holler)" would open the eyes of an entire generation with their dire pleas for the world to take better care of itself.
Taking care of himself was another story.
After Terrell’s death, Gaye went on a live performance hiatus. During that time, he became addicted to numerous drugs. His favorite was cocaine. Once, while visiting Maui, Gaye tried to kill himself by swallowing an entire ounce of pure cocaine.
