Marvin Gaye admitted that he was insanely in love with Janis Hunter Gaye (Jan Gaye) when they married.
Jan Gaye was the second wife of the late singer, and she died this past Saturday in Rhode Island. Marvin met her when she was 17, and he was 34 in 1973. She admitted going from being a high school student to accompanying Marvin to events, parties, and tours.
They were married from 1977 thru 1981, and Marvin died in 1984 after his father shot him during an argument at Marvin’s home. Jan often did background vocals for Marvin on several of his songs, and she recently released a tell-all book that detailed their marriage, including sordid intimate details of their relationship in “After the Dance, My Live with Marvin Gaye”
Nona Gaye, who was once managed by her mother and had her own singing career, states, “From the time she met my father, she was exposed to the way he saw this world was aching, and she did her best to preserve his legacy as he was taken from us far too early,” Nona Gaye said in a statement.
“She took every moment to speak about every word and every note of his music, and she wanted to make sure everyone knew the man she fell in love with. I will never get to see her again in this life but know she’s in heaven with my father and a spokesperson for us in spirit.”
Jan is survived by her daughter Nona, son Frankie, sister Shawnn, brother Mark and grandson Nolan.
A public event will be announced. Donations in her honor can be made to Arms Around the Child, Breathe With Me Revolution and/or Fund a Mom.
Who Was Marvin Gaye?
Marvin Gaye (1939-1984) was an American singer, songwriter, and record producer. He was one of the most influential musicians in the soul and R&B genres. Gaye’s career spanned the 1960s and 1970s, and he is known for his smooth vocal style and socially conscious lyrics. Some of his most popular songs include “What’s Going On,” “Let’s Get It On,” and “Sexual Healing.” Marvin Gaye’s music significantly impacted popular music and continues to be celebrated for its artistic and cultural significance.
How Did Marvin Gaye Die?
Marvin Gaye’s death was a tragic event on April 1, 1984. He was shot and killed by his father, Marvin Gay Sr., at their family home in Los Angeles, California. The incident took place following a heated argument between father and son.
The details of the argument that led to the shooting vary in different accounts, but it is believed to have stemmed from longstanding family conflicts and personal issues. Marvin Gaye had a complicated relationship with his father, who had previously struggled with alcoholism and reportedly had a history of abusive behavior toward his son.
On the day of the shooting, Gaye’s parents were involved in a domestic dispute, and Marvin Gaye intervened in an attempt to calm the situation. This intervention escalated into a heated argument between Gaye and his father, ultimately leading to the fatal shooting. Gaye was shot twice, with the first bullet piercing his heart, resulting in his immediate death.
Marvin Gaye’s death profoundly affected the music industry and his fans worldwide. It marked the end of a remarkable career and silenced one of the most influential voices in soul and R&B music. Despite the tragic circumstances surrounding his death, Marvin Gaye’s musical legacy continues to inspire and resonate with audiences today.
