Legendary soul singer Marvin Gaye sadly didn’t live to see his 45th birthday; shockingly, the man who gave him life was also the one to take his life. Gaye was murdered by his own father.
According to History, Gaye had a career lasting an incredible 25 years and was one of the most influential artists of his time. In his personal life, however, he never had the best relationship with his father, Marvin Gay Sr., dating back to childhood. Marvin Sr. was a preacher and an advocate of strict morals that he instilled in his children, albeit violently. It was also rumored that he was secretly a cross-dresser, had issues with alcohol, and instead of being proud of his son, he was always jealous and resentful of his musical success.
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After winning a Grammy award and watching his song “Sexual Healing” rise to the top the charts, Marvin Jr. seemed to be in a fragile state; mentally, physically, and financially. He struggled with depression and substance abuse which led to him moving back in with his parents. The morning of his death, he was having an argument with his father that quickly became a physical fight. That’s when Marvin Sr. took a revolver given to him by his son and shot him in his chest three times. According to Marvin Jr.’s brother Frankie, his chilling last words were “I got what I wanted….I couldn’t do it myself, so I made him do it” (via History).
If you or anyone you know needs help with addiction issues, help is available. Visit the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration website or contact SAMHSA’s National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357).
