Marvin Gaye: I Heard It Through the Grapevine

by Sharon Davis

When Marvin Gaye was shot and killed by his own father in 1984, the world lost one of its greatest singers. Although his fans were stunned, the singer's friends, knowing the violence that cocaine had created in Gaye, weren't surprised that the killer was found to have acted in self-defense. In intriguing detail, Sharon Davis charts Gaye's extraordinary, often turbulent career, including his tempestuous relationship with the record company Tamla Motown and its legendary head Berry Gordy. She follows Gaye's struggle for artistic independence and details his successes with singles like Can I Get a Witness? and I Heard It Through the Grapevine  and the epoch-making album 'What's Going On? Sharon Davis is considered a leading authority on Motown history. She is the author of The History and Stevie Rhythms of Wonder.

Genres: Music, Biography

378 pages, Paperback

First published May 11, 2000

Reviews

[Neil Cake · Rating 2 out of 5]

finally. chart positions are not interesting. they may be some measure of success but not of creative genius. this book should have focused more on the latter than on the former.

[Malcolm Frawley · Rating 3 out of 5]

My frustration with this book probably has more to do with its subject than its author, whose research seems comprehensive. But Gaye's combination of massive ego & chronic insecurity is a personality type I am all too familiar with in acting. Not being a particular fan, I knew little about Marvin before this book but a lot more now so it's a worthwhile read.

[Duane Lewis · Rating 4 out of 5]

A talented man that produced such great music even while dealing with many personal insecurities and demons---taken tragically way too soon. Well researched and a good read!