Video: “Let’s Get It On” by the soul legend
Marvin Gaye was a Grammy-winning Motown star when he was shot and killed by his own father, Rev. Marvin Gay Sr., in their Los Angeles family home on April 1, 1984.
The incident was a culmination of a difficult period for Gaye. He had struggled with substance abuse and mental health issues for years, and decided to move in with his parents, according to the Los Angeles Times. But while the singer was close to his mother, Alberta Gay, he and his dad — who was an Apostolic minister — had a strained relationship with a history of violent altercations.
Their issues only intensified in the weeks leading up to the incident, which ended up with Gay Sr. shooting him twice. Still, Gaye wanted to make it work. “After all, I have just one father,” Gaye reportedly told a friend.
They never found that peace. After another intense argument, Gay Sr. shot his son twice in the chest and then wait for the police to arrive, later claiming he never meant to kill him.
On the 42nd anniversary, here’s what to know about Marvin Gaye’s death.
How did Marvin Gaye die?
In the final year of Gaye’s life, he was struggling with substance abuse and depression, including suicidal ideations. Gaye eventually sought refuge in his parents’ home, where he reportedly continued to unravel.
“[Gaye would] take drugs and make telephone calls all night, and then maybe sleep from 8 a.m. till noon,” a friend told PEOPLE in April 1984. “All kinds of people would come to the door all through the night, and Marvin would let them in. … [Gay Sr.] didn’t like them walking around the house. … [Gaye’s] father probably just got fed up.”
On the other hand, Alberta tried to stay supportive. “His mother would often bring him up breakfast around 1 and lovingly watch him eat,” the friend continued. “She adored Marvin and Marvin loved her.”
While Gaye had long had a difficult relationship with his father, he had gifted him a .38 revolver, and the singer reportedly owned at least one himself.
Gaye and Gay Sr.’s contentious relationship came to a head on April 1, 1984. According to the Los Angeles Times, Gaye Sr. had been arguing with Alberta about a misplaced letter when he went into Gay’s room.
LAPD officer Lieut. Bob Martin told The New York Times that at about 12:30 p.m., the singer and his father ”became involved in a verbal dispute that led to a physical altercation, pushing and shoving.”
After the men came to blows, Gay Sr. retrieved his gun and shot Gaye twice: once in the shoulder and once in the heart, per the Los Angeles Times.
When did Marvin Gaye die?
Gaye died on April 1, 1984.
Where did Marvin Gaye die?
The singer was pronounced dead at 1:01 p.m. at the California Hospital Medical Center, The New York Times reported.
How old was Marvin Gaye when he died?
At the time of his death, Gaye was 44 years old.
It was the day before his 45th birthday. The artist was born on April 2, 1939.
What happened to Marvin Gaye’s dad after the shooting?
Gay Sr.’s actions and subsequent trial made headlines for months.
He was subjected to extensive psychological and physical exams, wherein doctors found a tumor in his brain, per the Los Angeles Times.
Gay Sr. pled “no contest” to charges of voluntary manslaughter, The New York Times reported. He faced a maximum of 13 years in state prison, according to the United Press International (UPI).
In his trial, Gay Sr. alleged that his son had been “beating” him, including “kicking,” per the outlet. He claimed self-defense.
“I didn’t mean to do it,” he reportedly said afterward. “I’m sorry and I regret what happened to this moment. I do know I did fire the gun. I was just trying to keep him back off me.”
A judge eventually found that Gaye had provoked his father and Gay Sr. received five years of probation, according to the Los Angeles Times. “I’ll carry it with me ’til the day I die,” he told the judge at his sentencing.
What legacy did Marvin Gaye leave behind?
Over 40 years after his death, Gaye continues to be considered one of the seminal musicians of the 20th century. His songs, including “Let’s Get It On,” “Mercy Mercy Me” and “Sexual Healing,” are well-recognized in pop culture today.
Gaye’s 1971 album What’s Going On has been named the #1 album of all time by Rolling Stone. It addresses social issues like drug addiction, climate change and in the title track, police violence against Black Americans.
Following his sudden passing, artists dedicated works to him, including Diana Ross, who released the song “Missing You” in 1984 as a tribute to the singer.