Profile Text
Birth Name: Marvin Pentz Gaye, Jr.
Date of Birth: April 2, 1939
Place of Birth: Washington, D.C., U.S.
Date of Death: April 1, 1984
Place of Death: Los Angeles, California, U.S.
Ethnicity: African-American
Marvin Gaye was an American soul singer, songwriter, and musician.
He was the son of Alberta Williams (Cooper) and Marvin Pentz Gay. Marvin was married to businessperson and musician Anna Gordy Gaye, who was the sister of producer Berry Gordy; and to Janis Hunter. Among his three children are model, singer, and actress Nona Gaye , and Marvin Gaye III. Marvin III is the half-brother of actress Bianca Lawson .
Marvin’s paternal grandfather was George Gay (the son of Strawden/Strother Gay and Rebecca Hardin/Garrett or Susan Fuller). George was born in Kentucky.
Marvin’s paternal grandmother was Marnie/Mamie Mae Watkins (the daughter of Dan/Daniel Watkins and Charlotte Smith/West). Marnie was born in Kentucky. Charlotte was the daughter of Robert/Bob West and Alsie Starks.
Marvin’s maternal grandfather was named Sam or John Cooper (the son of Sally Cooper). Sam was born in North Carolina. Sally’s partner, Marvin’s great-grandfather, was said to be white. It is not clear if this is accurate.
Marvin’s maternal grandmother was named Ruth/Lucy Smith. Lucy was born in North Carolina.
Rapper Masta Killa ‘s father has said that he was a cousin of Marvin. It does not appear that this claim is accurate.
Sources: Genealogies of Marvin Gaye – http://www.geni.com http://freepages.rootsweb.com https://www.wikitree.com