Marie Gicquel // Photo credits: 9:34 a.m., April 1, 2024
Forty years ago, on April 1, 1984, one of the geniuses of soul died. An emblematic figure of the famous Motown label, the American Marvin Gaye left us at the age of 44. But even today, his music inspires many artists and remains engraved in people's minds.
The young Marvin Gaye found refuge in music, martyred all his life by his father, who ended up killing him on April 1, 1984 after a family dispute, on the eve of his 45th birthday. Having passed away just forty years ago, this musical genius made the transition between soul and rock. Despite the years, his compositions remain iconic and continue to inspire soul, hip-hop and rap artists.
From crooner to prince of soul
Initially a crooner like Franck Sinatra, Marvin Gaye finally established himself as the prince of soul, supported by the famous Motown label. “He is someone who has never been really happy in his life,” however, recognizes Philippe Margotin, the author of
Marvin Gaye the Motown Dandy
, published by de la Martinière. “Sentimentally, it was never very successful. He sank a little into the excesses of cocaine, which plunged him into total paranoia,” continues the expert.
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The comeback of Marvin Gaye
The artist lays down his vague soul on music paper, notably in
I heard through the grapevine
. A musical marvel for Philippe Margotin: "He integrates elements of psychedelic rock into soul music and it really becomes the crossover song, that is to say it is aimed as much at young hippies as at the whole African-American community. This is truly an exceptional turning point."
Marvin Gaye nevertheless goes through a sweet break during his stay in Ostend in Belgium with the singer Arno. On the shores of the North Sea, he notably composed his latest album: two whispered formulas, like a hymn to sensuality.