Feature Photo: English: Photograph by Jim Britt. Originally distributed by Motown Records., Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
Marvin Gaye was born in Washington, D.C., and raised in a strict Pentecostal household led by his father, a minister. Music offered a refuge from a turbulent home life, and Gaye found early comfort singing in church and later joining local doo-wop groups. His talents quickly distinguished him from his peers, leading him to Detroit, where he became a session drummer at Motown Records. By 1961, he had signed as a solo artist with the label, beginning a long and complex relationship with its founder, Berry Gordy. Gaye’s early recordings were steeped in the polished pop-soul sound Motown was known for, but even then, his voice carried a richness and emotional gravity that set him apart.
His initial success came with hits like “Stubborn Kind of Fellow,” “Hitch Hike,” and “Can I Get a Witness,” but Gaye truly found his footing with duets. Partnering with singers like Mary Wells, Kim Weston, and most memorably, Tammi Terrell, Gaye delivered a string of timeless duets in the late 1960s. Tracks like “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough,” “Your Precious Love,” and “You’re All I Need to Get By” showcased the chemistry between Gaye and Terrell, but their collaboration was tragically cut short by Terrell’s declining health and eventual death in 1970. Her passing had a profound emotional impact on Gaye and altered the course of his career.
Devastated by Terrell’s death and disillusioned with the political and social unrest in America, Gaye began to rethink his role as an artist. The result was What’s Going On (1971), a landmark album that redefined not only his career but the possibilities of soul music itself. A bold departure from the Motown formula, the album confronted poverty, war, police brutality, and environmental destruction through deeply personal and spiritual lyrics. Songs like “Mercy Mercy Me (The Ecology),” “Inner City Blues (Make Me Wanna Holler),” and the title track resonated with a wide audience and established Gaye as a visionary voice for social justice and introspection.
Despite initial resistance from Motown, What’s Going On was a critical and commercial triumph, hailed as one of the greatest albums in popular music history. Gaye followed it with a series of innovative projects in the 1970s, including Let’s Get It On (1973), which emphasized sensuality and romantic freedom, and I Want You (1976), which fused soul with funk and eroticism. His 1978 album Here, My Dear—a deeply confessional double album chronicling the dissolution of his marriage to Anna Gordy—further revealed his willingness to use his music as a means of personal expression, regardless of commercial expectations.
Throughout his career, Marvin Gaye released 25 studio albums, including several posthumous projects. His catalog is filled with major hits, including “How Sweet It Is (To Be Loved by You),” “Sexual Healing,” “Got to Give It Up,” “Let’s Get It On,” and “I Heard It Through the Grapevine”—the latter of which became one of Motown’s biggest-selling singles. His ability to blend social commentary with personal vulnerability made him a distinctive and multifaceted artist. Gaye received multiple Grammy Awards, including Best R&B Vocal Performance for “Sexual Healing” in 1983, and was posthumously honored with the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award.
Despite his artistic success, Gaye’s personal life was often marked by turmoil. He struggled with substance abuse, financial difficulties, and troubled relationships, including his volatile connection with his father. After years of living in exile in Europe due to tax issues and personal crises, he returned to the United States in the early 1980s and experienced a resurgence with the release of Midnight Love (1982), which featured the hit “Sexual Healing.” The song topped charts worldwide and introduced Gaye to a new generation of fans while reaffirming his place in contemporary R&B.
Tragically, Gaye’s life was cut short on April 1, 1984, one day before his 45th birthday, when he was shot and killed by his father following a heated argument. The shocking circumstances of his death sent waves through the music world, but his legacy only grew in the years that followed. Gaye’s work became central to the development of modern R&B, neo-soul, and even hip-hop, with countless artists citing him as a foundational influence. His recordings have been sampled, covered, and studied across genres, and his albums continue to appear on “greatest of all time” lists.
In addition to his musical legacy, Gaye has been recognized with numerous posthumous honors. He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1987 and the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2016. The Library of Congress added What’s Going On to the National Recording Registry, and Rolling Stone ranked it No. 1 on their 2020 list of the 500 Greatest Albums of All Time. His contributions to American music and culture remain unparalleled in their emotional depth and social impact.
Gaye’s influence extended beyond his recordings. He was a symbol of emotional honesty in black male artistry, and his ability to shift between themes of romance, pain, faith, and protest made his work both universal and deeply personal. At a time when popular music was often sanitized for mainstream audiences, Gaye brought raw vulnerability and spiritual searching to the forefront.
Outside of his music, Gaye had aspirations in sports and activism. He was close friends with several professional athletes and had even trained with NFL teams. He also spoke out on issues of racial inequality and was passionate about using his platform to advocate for peace and justice. Though his activism was less public than some of his contemporaries, it was integral to his work, particularly during his 1970s peak.
Even decades after his death, Marvin Gaye’s voice remains a vital part of the cultural conversation. His music continues to inspire, challenge, and heal. Whether reflecting on societal turmoil or exploring the complexities of love and desire, he did so with unmatched soul and conviction. He helped redefine the role of a recording artist—not just as a performer, but as a commentator, philosopher, and healer.
His work serves as a timeless reminder of music’s power to transcend barriers and speak to the human condition. Gaye’s blend of technical brilliance and emotional authenticity makes his catalog one of the most enduring bodies of work in American popular music. His legacy continues not only through his recordings but through the countless artists who walk in his shadow and strive to match the emotional clarity he brought to every note.
Complete List Of Marvin Gaye Songs From A to Z
Abraham, Martin & John – That’s the Way Love Is – 1970
After the Dance (instrumental) – I Want You – 1976
After the Dance (vocal) – I Want You – 1976
After the Lights Go Down Low – Together (with Mary Wells) – 1964
Ain’t It Funny (How Things Turn Around) – Dream of a Lifetime – 1985
Ain’t No Mountain High Enough – United (with Tammi Terrell) – 1967
Ain’t Nothing Like the Real Thing – You’re All I Need (with Tammi Terrell) – 1968
Ain’t That Peculiar – Moods of Marvin Gaye – 1966
All the Way Around – I Want You – 1976
Alone – Diana & Marvin (with Diana Ross) – 1973
Always – The Soulful Moods of Marvin Gaye – 1961
Anger – Here, My Dear – 1978
Anna’s Song – Here, My Dear – 1978
At Last (I Found a Love) – In the Groove – 1968
Baby Don’t Cha Worry – You’re All I Need (with Tammi Terrell) – 1968
Baby Don’t You Do It – How Sweet It Is to Be Loved by You – 1965
Baby I Need Your Loving – Take Two (with Kim Weston) – 1966
Baby I Need Your Loving – Easy (with Tammi Terrell) – 1969
Baby Say Yes – Take Two (with Kim Weston) – 1966
Because of You – When I’m Alone I Cry – 1964
The Bitter Pill to Swallow – M.P.G. – 1969
The Break In (Police Shoot Big) – Trouble Man – 1972
California Soul – Easy (with Tammi Terrell) – 1969
Calypso Blues – A Tribute to the Great Nat King Cole – 1965
Can I Get a Witness – Greatest Hits – 1963
Chained – In the Groove – 1968
Change What You Can – In the Groove – 1968
Checking Out (Double Clutch) – You’re the Man – 2019
Christmas in the City – You’re the Man – 2019
Cleo’s Apartment – Trouble Man – 1972
Cloud Nine – That’s the Way Love Is – 1970
Come Get to This – Let’s Get It On – 1973
Come Live with Me Angel – I Want You – 1976
Come on and See Me – You’re All I Need (with Tammi Terrell) – 1968
Days of Wine and Roses – Hello Broadway – 1964
‘Deed I Do – Together (with Mary Wells) – 1964
Deep-in-It – Trouble Man – 1972
Distant Lover – Let’s Get It On – 1973
Do-Re-Mi – Non-album single – 2001
Don’t Knock My Love – Diana & Marvin (with Diana Ross) – 1973
Don’t Mess with Mister ‘T’ – Trouble Man – 1972
Don’t You Miss Me A Little Bit Baby – That’s the Way Love Is – 1970
Dream of a Lifetime – Dream of a Lifetime – 1985
Easy Living – The Soulful Moods of Marvin Gaye – 1961
Ego Tripping Out – Non-album single – 1979
The End of Our Road – M.P.G. – 1969
Every Now And Then – In the Groove – 1968
Everybody Needs Love – Here, My Dear – 1978
Falling in Love Again – Here, My Dear – 1978
Far Cry – In Our Lifetime – 1981
Feel All My Love Inside – I Want You – 1976
Fly Me to the Moon – Romantically Yours – 1985
Flyin’ High (In the Friendly Sky) – What’s Going On – 1971
Forever – How Sweet It Is to Be Loved by You – 1965
Funk Me – In Our Lifetime – 1981
A Funky Space Reincarnation – Here, My Dear – 1978
Funny (Not Much) – Vulnerable – 1997
Get My Hands on Some Lovin’ – That Stubborn Kinda Fellow – 1963
Give a Little Love – United (with Tammi Terrell) – 1967
Give In, You Just Can’t Win – You’re All I Need (with Tammi Terrell) – 1968
God Is Love – What’s Going On – 1971
God Is Love (bonus track) – What’s Going On – 1971
Gonna Give Her All The Love I’ve Got – That’s the Way Love Is – 1970
Gonna Keep On Tryin’ Till I Win Your Love – That’s the Way Love Is – 1970
Good Lovin’ Ain’t Easy to Come By – Easy (with Tammi Terrell) – 1969
Got to Give It Up – Live at the London Palladium – 1977
Groovin’ – That’s the Way Love Is – 1970
Happy Go Lucky – Romantically Yours – 1985
Heaven Sent You, I Know – Take Two (with Kim Weston) – 1966
Heavy Love Affair – In Our Lifetime – 1981
Hello Broadway – Hello Broadway – 1964
Hello Dolly! – Hello Broadway – 1964
Hello There Angel – That Stubborn Kinda Fellow – 1963
Here, My Dear – Here, My Dear – 1978
Hey Diddle Diddle – Moods of Marvin Gaye – 1966
His Eye Is on the Sparrow – In Loving Memory – 1968
Hitch Hike – That Stubborn Kinda Fellow – 1963
Hold Me Oh My Darling – United (with Tammi Terrell) – 1967
How Can I Forget? – That’s the Way Love Is – 1970
How Deep Is the Ocean (How High Is the Sky) – The Soulful Moods of Marvin Gaye – 1961
How High the Moon – The Soulful Moods of Marvin Gaye – 1961
How Sweet It Is (To Be Loved by You) – How Sweet It Is to Be Loved by You – 1965
How You Gonna Keep It (After You Get It) – Easy (with Tammi Terrell) – 1969
I Can’t Believe You Love Me – Easy (with Tammi Terrell) – 1969
I Can’t Help But Love You – You’re All I Need (with Tammi Terrell) – 1968
I Don’t Know Why (I Just Do) – When I’m Alone I Cry – 1964
I’d Give My Life for You (Salaam Remi LP mix) – You’re the Man – 2019
I Got to Get to California – M.P.G. – 1969
I Heard It Through the Grapevine – In the Groove – 1968
I’m Crazy ‘Bout My Baby – Non-album B-side – 1963
I’m Falling in Love With You – Diana & Marvin (with Diana Ross) – 1973
I’m Going Home – You’re the Man – 2019
I’m Gonna Give You Respect – You’re the Man – 2019
I’m Hot – Non-album single – 2001
If I Should Die Tonight – Let’s Get It On – 1973
I Live for You – Romantically Yours – 1985
I’ll Take Care of You – Non-album B-side – 1967
I Wish I Didn’t Love You So – Vulnerable – 1997
I Wish I Didn’t Love You So (Alternate vocal) – Vulnerable – 1997
I Wish It Would Rain – That’s the Way Love Is – 1970
I Wanna Be Where You Are – I Want You – 1976
I Want to Come Home for Christmas – You’re the Man – 2019
I Want You (intro jam) – I Want You – 1976
I Want You (jam) – I Want You – 1976
I Want You (vocal) – I Want You – 1976
I Want You (vocal; single mix) – I Want You – 1976
I Want You (instrumental; single mix) – I Want You – 1976
I Won’t Cry Anymore – Romantically Yours – 1985
I Won’t Cry Anymore – Vulnerable – 1997
I Won’t Cry Anymore (Alternate vocal) – Vulnerable – 1997
If I Could Build My Whole World Around You – United (with Tammi Terrell) – 1967
If My Heart Could Sing – When I’m Alone I Cry – 1964
If This World Were Mine – United (with Tammi Terrell) – 1967
I’ll Be Around – When I’m Alone I Cry – 1964
I’ll Be Doggone – Moods of Marvin Gaye – 1966
I’ll Keep My Light in My Window – Diana & Marvin (with Diana Ross) – 1973
I’ll Never Stop Loving You Baby – You’re All I Need (with Tammi Terrell) – 1968
I Love You, Yes I Do – Take Two (with Kim Weston) – 1966
(I Love You) For Sentimental Reasons – Together (with Mary Wells) – 1964
I Met a Little Girl – Here, My Dear – 1978
(I’m Afraid) The Masquerade Is Over – The Soulful Moods of Marvin Gaye – 1961
I’m Your Puppet – Easy (with Tammi Terrell) – 1969
Strange Love (Feel All My Love Inside) (instrumental; single mix) – I Want You – 1976
Straighten Up and Fly Right – A Tribute to the Great Nat King Cole – 1965
Stranger in My Life – Romantically Yours – 1985
Stubborn Kind of Fellow – That Stubborn Kinda Fellow – 1963
Sweet Lorraine – A Tribute to the Great Nat King Cole – 1965
Symphony – Dream of a Lifetime – 1985
Symphony (Salaam Remi LP mix) – You’re the Man – 2019
‘T’ Plays It Cool – Trouble Man – 1972
‘T’ Stands for Trouble – Trouble Man – 1972
Take This Heart of Mine – Moods of Marvin Gaye – 1966
Taking My Time – That Stubborn Kinda Fellow – 1963
Tear It on Down – In the Groove – 1968
That’s How It Is (Since You’ve Been Gone) – You’re All I Need (with Tammi Terrell) – 1968
That’s the Way Love Is – M.P.G. – 1969
That’s the Way Love Is – That’s the Way Love Is – 1970
The Things I Will Not Miss – Diana & Marvin (with Diana Ross) – 1973
Theme from Trouble Man – Trouble Man – 1972
There Goes Mister ‘T’ – Trouble Man – 1972
There Goes My Baby – In the Groove – 1968
Third World Girl – Midnight Love – 1982
This Is the Life – Hello Broadway – 1964
This Love Starved Heart of Mine (It’s Killing Me) – Love Starved Heart Rare and Unreleased – 1995
This Magic Moment – M.P.G. – 1969
This Poor Heart of Mine – Easy (with Tammi Terrell) – 1969
This Will Make You Laugh – Vulnerable – 1997
‘Til There Was You – Take Two (with Kim Weston) – 1966
‘Til Tomorrow – Midnight Love – 1982
Time to Get It Together – Here, My Dear – 1978
To The Ends Of The Earth – A Tribute to the Great Nat King Cole – 1965
Together – Together (with Mary Wells) – 1964
Too Busy Thinking About My Baby – M.P.G. – 1969
Too Young – A Tribute to the Great Nat King Cole – 1965
Trouble Man – Trouble Man – 1972
Try It Baby – How Sweet It Is to Be Loved by You – 1965
Try It, You’ll Like It – You’re the Man – 2019
Try My True Love – M.P.G. – 1969
Turn On Some Music – Midnight Love – 1982
Two Can Have a Party – United (with Tammi Terrell) – 1967
Unforgettable – A Tribute to the Great Nat King Cole – 1965
Until I Met You – Together (with Mary Wells) – 1964
Walk on the Wild Side – Hello Broadway – 1964
Walkin’ in the Rain – Romantically Yours – 1985
We Can Make It Baby – You’re the Man – 2019
What Good Am I Without You – Take Two (with Kim Weston) – 1966
What Kind of Fool Am I? – Hello Broadway – 1964
What’s Going On – What’s Going On – 1971
What’s Happening Brother – What’s Going On – 1971
What’s the Matter with You Baby – Together (with Mary Wells) – 1964
What You Gave Me – Easy (with Tammi Terrell) – 1969
When Did You Stop Loving Me, When Did I Stop Loving You – Here, My Dear – 1978
When Did You Stop Loving Me, When Did I Stop Loving You (Instrumental) – Here, My Dear – 1978
When Did You Stop Loving Me, When Did I Stop Loving You (Reprise) – Here, My Dear – 1978
When I Had Your Love – Non-album B-side – 1965
When I’m Alone I Cry – When I’m Alone I Cry – 1964
When Love Comes Knocking At My Heart – You’re All I Need (with Tammi Terrell) – 1968
When We’re Together – Take Two (with Kim Weston) – 1966
When Your Lover Has Gone – When I’m Alone I Cry – 1964
Where Are We Going? (alternate mix 2) – You’re the Man – 2019
Wherever I Lay My Hat (That’s My Home) – That Stubborn Kinda Fellow – 1963
Why Did I Choose You – Romantically Yours – 1985
Why Did I Choose You? – Vulnerable – 1997
Why Did I Choose You? (Alternate vocal) – Vulnerable – 1997
Wholy Holy – What’s Going On – 1971
Witchcraft – The Soulful Moods of Marvin Gaye – 1961
Woman of the World – You’re the Man – 2019
The World Is Rated X (alternate mix) – You’re the Man – 2019
Yesterday – That’s the Way Love Is – 1970
You – In the Groove – 1968
You Ain’t Livin’ till You’re Lovin’ – You’re All I Need (with Tammi Terrell) – 1968
You Are Everything – Diana & Marvin (with Diana Ross) – 1973
You Are That Special One – You’re the Man – 2019
You Came a Long Way from St. Louis – Together (with Mary Wells) – 1964
You Can Leave, But It’s Going to Cost You – Here, My Dear – 1978
You Don’t Know What Love Is – The Soulful Moods of Marvin Gaye – 1961
You Got What It Takes – United (with Tammi Terrell) – 1967
You Sure Love to Ball – Let’s Get It On – 1973
You Sure Love to Ball (Single Mix) – Let’s Get It On – 1973
You’re a Special Part of Me – Diana & Marvin (with Diana Ross) – 1973
You’re a Wonderful One – How Sweet It Is to Be Loved by You – 1965
You’re All I Need to Get By – You’re All I Need (with Tammi Terrell) – 1968
You’re the Man – You’re the Man – 2019
You’re the Man (Alternate Version 2) – You’re the Man – 2019
You’re the One For Me – Moods of Marvin Gaye – 1966
You’re What’s Happening (In The World Today) – In the Groove – 1968
You’ve Been a Long Time Coming – Moods of Marvin Gaye – 1966
You’ve Changed – When I’m Alone I Cry – 1964
Your Precious Love – United (with Tammi Terrell) – 1967
Your Unchanging Love – Moods of Marvin Gaye – 1966
Albums
The Soulful Moods of Marvin Gaye (1961): 11 songs
That Stubborn Kinda Fellow (1963): 10 songs
When I’m Alone I Cry (1964): 10 songs
Hello Broadway (1964): 11 songs
Together (with Mary Wells) (1964): 10 songs
How Sweet It Is to Be Loved by You (1965): 12 songs
A Tribute to the Great Nat King Cole (1965): 12 songs
Moods of Marvin Gaye (1966): 12 songs
Take Two (with Kim Weston) (1966): 12 songs
United (with Tammi Terrell) (1967): 12 songs
You’re All I Need (with Tammi Terrell) (1968): 12 songs
In the Groove (1968): 12 songs
Easy (with Tammi Terrell) (1969): 12 songs
M.P.G. (1969): 12 songs
That’s the Way Love Is (1970): 12 songs
What’s Going On (1971): 11 songs
Trouble Man (1972): 13 songs
Let’s Get It On (1973): 10 songs
Diana & Marvin (with Diana Ross) (1973): 14 songs
I Want You (1976): 14 songs
Here, My Dear (1978): 14 songs
In Our Lifetime (1981): 8 songs
Midnight Love (1982): 9 songs
Dream of a Lifetime (1985): 8 songs
Romantically Yours (1985): 11 songs
Vulnerable (1997): 10 songs
You’re the Man (2019): 17 songs
Non-album singles and B-sides: 19 songs
Check out our fantastic and entertaining Marvin Gaye articles, detailing in-depth the band’s albums, songs, band members, and more…all on ClassicRockHistory.com
Brian Kachejian was born in Manhattan and raised in the Bronx. He is the founder and Editor in Chief of ClassicRockHistory.com. He has spent thirty years in the music business often working with many of the people who have appeared on this site. Brian Kachejian also holds B.A. and M.A. degrees from Stony Brook University along with New York State Public School Education Certifications in Music and Social Studies. Brian Kachejian is also an active member of the New York Press.