Marvin Gaye, byname of Marvin Pentz Gay, Jr., (born April 2, 1939, Washington, D.C., U.S.—died April 1, 1984, Los Angeles, California), American soul singer-songwriter-producer who, to a large extent, ushered in the era of artist-controlled popular music of the 1970s.
Who is Marvin Gaye wife Jan Gaye?
Janis Hunter Gaye, the second wife of Motown legend Marvin Gaye and the inspiration for several of his songs, died Saturday of an undisclosed cause at her home in Rhode Island, her family announced. She was 66.
Hunter Gaye was introduced to the singer by producer Ed Townsend during a 1973 recording session at Hitsville West in Los Angeles for his album Let’s Get It On, which was released that year. Gaye at the time was married to Anna Gordy, the sister of Motown founder Berry Gordy; Hunter Gaye was 17, he was 34.
Gaye wrote the song “Jan” for his future wife and recorded it for his 1974 album, Marvin Gaye Live!, and his 1976 album, I Want You, has been described as “a romantic and erotic tribute” to her.