Marvin Gaye (born Marvin Pentz Gay Jr., April 2, 1939 – April 1, 1984) was an American singer, songwriter and Motown star known for landmark albums such as What's Going On and Let's Get It On. He combined social themes, sensuality and sophisticated arrangements across his career.

Born Marvin Pentz Gay Jr.; rose to fame on Motown Records; released influential albums including What's Going On (1971) and Let's Get It On (1973); experienced financial and personal difficulties; died April 1, 1984, after being shot by his father.

DeBaser's reviews celebrate Marvin Gaye's major albums, highlighting his social commitment on What's Going On and sensuality on Let's Get It On. Here, My Dear is read as a personal concept masterpiece. Reviews also note his troubled life and tragic death.

For:Fans of soul, Motown, classic R&B and readers interested in album-focused criticism.

 Let's start from the end, as if it were a b-movie or a noir. Marvin Gaye's body on April 1, 1984, the day of his forty-fifth birthday, lies lifeless on the floor of his father's home in a pool of blood.

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 Here my dear is all pervaded by a spectacular range of emotions: exhilaration, anger, regret, atonement, shame, playfulness, hope, spiced with jazz, soul, funky and disco.

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 The entire "Let's Get It On" depicts the change, is the emblem of change, in Marvin Gaye’s life, in African American music, in his music. And it is a masterpiece.

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