Marvin Gaye — Timeline
Key moments in the life of Marvin Gaye.
1939
Born Marvin Pentz Gay Jr. on April 2 in Washington, D.C.
1957
Joined The Marquees, an early doo-wop group, beginning his professional music career
1961
Signed with Motown Records and released debut single 'Let Your Conscience Be Your Guide'
1964
Released 'How Sweet It Is (To Be Loved by You)', achieving his first major hit single
1968
Released 'I Heard It Through the Grapevine', which became one of Motown's best-selling singles
1971
Released landmark album 'What's Going On', a socially conscious concept album addressing war and poverty
1973
Released 'Let's Get It On', establishing himself as a leading voice in soul music
1974
Released 'I Want You', further cementing his status as a romantic soul icon
1982
Released 'Midnight Love', featuring the hit single 'Sexual Healing'
1984
Died on April 1 in Los Angeles at age 44 following a family dispute