Marvin Gaye
R&B/Soul
History
In his early teenage years, Marvin Gaye joined many young instrumental groups at his school. However, he dropped out of high school and intended on becoming a basic air force pilot, but ended up getting kicked out. He returned home and joined a quartet, but it was quickly abandoned because they could not get their only song to chart. In 1962, Gaye finally reached the top 100 with the Marvelettes with the song "Stubborn Kind of Fellow". Gaye's career peeked when he made the song "Heard It Through the Grapevine." His career continued from their and he became a huge success. However, in 1984, he got shot by his father twice at point-blank range, which proved to be fatal moments after the incident.
Propulsion to Fame
Marvin Gaye's first main hit was "Stubborn Kind of Fellow," which reached 6 on the R&B charts, and 46 on the top 100 hits. This was his first song that made it to top 100. This really put his name out their so he could receive a lot of fame. This hit snowballed into his success, eventually leading to his hit "Heard It Through the Grapevine," which reached number one on the top 100.
A Few Awards Won
Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award- 1996
Grammy Hall of Fame Award- 2004, 2002, 1999
Grammy Best Male Vocal R&B Award- 1983
NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Album- 1971
etc.
Characteristics of R&B/Soul Music
- Lots of repetition usually
- Wide variety of instruments, usually showcasing brass.
- A definitive rhythm.
Top Songs
- "Let's Get it On"
- "Got to Give It Up"
- "Heard It Through the Grapevine"
- "Ain't No Mountain High Enough"
- "Mercy Mercy Me"
Top Albums
- Here, My Dear
- Trouble Man
- United
Marvin Gaye - I Heard It Through The Grapevine
SHMRG Chart
Song- "Heard it Through the Grapevine"
Artist- Marvin Gaye
S- Sounds- drum set, trumpet, main vocals, electric guitar, back up vocals, strings, piano
H- Harmony- main vocals
M- Melody- drum set, trumpet, electric guitar, back up vocals, strings, piano
R- Rhythm- moderate, in 4
G- Growth- intro, verse 1, chorus, bridge, verse 2, chorus, bridge, interlude, verse 3, chorus, outro
soft, moderate, soft
Hill
R&B/Soul
Citations
Carter, Christopher. "What Are the Characteristics of Soul Music?" EHow. Demand Media, 30 Nov. 2009. Web. 13 Apr. 2015.
"The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame + Museum." Marvin Gaye Timeline. N.p., n.d. Web. 23 Apr. 2015.
"The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame + Museum." Marvin Gaye Biography. N.p., n.d. Web. 23 Apr. 2015.