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American singer-songwriter and producer who became a defining voice of Motown Records, known for fusing soul, R&B, and social commentary. Born in Washington D. C., Gaye rose to fame in the 1960s as a Motown hitmaker. He evolved from romantic ballads to socially conscious concept albums, most notably 'What's Going On'. His career spanned two decades, yielding timeless classics like 'I Heard It Through the Grapevine' and 'Sexual Healing'. He died tragically at age 44.

• Gaye added the 'e' to his surname early in his career to quell rumors about his sexuality, distancing himself from his father's name (Marvin Gay Sr.).
• His 1971 album 'What's Going On' – inspired by police brutality witnessed by his brother and Vietnam War turmoil – was initially rejected by Motown for being 'too political' but became a landmark protest album.
• Struggled with depression, cocaine addiction, and financial troubles in the late 1970s, leading to a self-imposed exile in Europe before his comeback with 'Sexual Healing'.
• Was shot and killed by his father, Marvin Gay Sr., during a physical altercation one day before his 45th birthday. His father pleaded no contest to voluntary manslaughter.