Although Marvin Gaye wouldn't live to see his 45th birthday (he was killed by his father in 1984), the Motown legend managed to create an enduring legacy of songs that long-surpassed his brief life. His smooth, soulful voice is the one behind solo hits like "Let's Get It On," "How Sweet It Is (To Be Loved By You)," "I Heard It Through The Grapevine," "Sexual Healing" and his landmark protest song, "What's Going On." He famously accompanied Tammi Terrell for duets like "Ain't No Mountain High Enough," "You're All I Need to Get By" and "Ain't Nothing Like the Real Thing."

In 1990, comedian Eddie Murphy joined the cause to honor Marvin with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. He wrote: "Marvin is one of the few who neither grows smaller nor larger in death, but maintains a constant, almost life-like presence." In other words, Marvin is here to stay.

Unlike many celebrities who suffered tragic ends, Marvin's death hasn't overshadowed his life's work; he's mostly remembered for his music – and a few scandals. Can you separate the fact from the fiction?

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More Fact or Fiction

Comments: 15

• Erik D. Nygaard from Morganton, NcSorry his life was cut short.
• Wayne Reid from Birmingham U.kMy sister saw him wen he came to the odeon concert she said he was amazing I believe it was his Heavy Love Affair Tour in 1981
• Meocyber from Alma. Co.Marvin was a third of the very best Motown, blues writer/ singers. Along w/ Smokey Robinson and Stevie Wonder. To me they all surpassed Michael. Jackson.
• Smith Haut Laffite from UkSome as good, but no one better. Saw him at the Apollo in Manchester in the 70's. Come get to this is my number one recording of all time, i just wish it had have been me playing those drums.
• John from CatalunyaAs a DJ in the 90's we used to close with sexual healing. It was great when someone came up an ask what song it was. Specially considering that rave music was the thing at the time. We included the song in the cassettes we sold of our sessions. Always bring a smile to my face when I hear the track
• Wayne Hill from Grand Rapids, Mi I thought I knew more about Marvin Gaye, history than I answers.
• Onyeelizz from NigeriaWhy was he troubled? Are all great souls meant to end this way? I was 3 years old when he died but i never stopped hearing his name. He was a fine man and did no wrong in my eyes.
• Susan from NycDid Marvin Dress in women'S clothing?
• Duster from DfwMarvin had more talent than he could handle. He was his own worst enemy but I will teach my grandchildren about this wonderful man, his lyrics and music.
• Les from BristolI thought it was just his father who cross-dressed and Marvin was always embarassed by it?
• Neil from Chicago, IllinoisWoo-hoo! 9 out of 10. Still love the official MTV video for 'Sexual Healing'
• Dan from New HampshireThe revolver would've been a Model 68 (either in .357 or .38 caliber), not a ".68", which would've fired a bigger round than a Desert Eagle.
• Martin White from Los AngelesI originally did not like his version of "Grapevine". Gladys Knight and the Pips recorded it first in a more upbeat R&B tempo. Overtime, I came to appreciate his version (Jazz, Blues, Funk) even more so. In reference to a line in What's Going On: If war is not the answer; what was the question. Long live Marvin Gaye.
• Ruth from Independence, KyCross-Dresser - really?
• Kendrick from Charlotte NcMarvin was the greatest....

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