I initially wanted to make Marvin Gaye our BotD earlier but thought choosing a Motown singer right in the middle of a series against Scum might not be the best choice. So it is with great pleasure that I present to you, Mr. Marvin Gaye
Born and raised in Washington DC, Gaye got his start like so many other amazing Motown artists by singing in his church, where his father also happened to be a minister. Gaye didn’t have a pleasant childhood at the hands of his abusive father but encouraged by his mother, found release and comfort in his singing talents. At age 17 he dropped out of school and joined the Air Force but didn’t fit in and refused to take orders before faking a mental illness and getting himself discharged.
Out of the Air Force, Gaye joined more singing groups and found himself relocating to our fair city of Chicago when he was signed by the illustrious Chess Records. After some minor success and a lot of studio work, his group disbanded and he moved to Detroit where he impressed Berry Gordy and soon signed with a Motown subsidiary. He continued his minor role with Motown before slowly gaining success with songs like “How Sweet It Is” and “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough”. His peak came in 1970-73 with the releases of What’s Going On and Let’s Get It On. He also recorded, Here, My Dear which was made almost entirely to raise money to pay for alimony and child support to his ex-wife… pretty brutal title, no?
