Gaye, Marvin Pentz Jr.
1939-1984 · Contribution: 1962-1982
Singer & Songwriter
Became one of Motown's most versatile and influential artists, known as the “Prince of Motown” and “Prince of Soul,” and in 1971 broke from Motown's producer-driven system to create What's Going On, a self-produced concept album addressing war, poverty, and the environment that Rolling Stone later ranked the greatest album of all time
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Quick facts
- Born
- 1939
- Active since
- 1962
- Category
- Arts, Music & Entertainment Tech
- Best known for
- "What's Going On""Prince of Motown"Self-produced concept album
Impact on the world
Gaye seized creative control from the Motown machine to make socially conscious art, expanding what a pop album could be. "What's Going On" redefined the concept album.
An alternative history
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Sources
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