Marvin Gaye (1939-1984) – Singer-Songwriter & Musician
Marvin Gaye, born Marvin Pentz Gay, Jr., was an American singer-songwriter and musician. Gaye helped to shape the sound of Motown Records in the 1960s with a string of hits including “How Sweet It Is (To Be Loved By You)” and “I Heard It Through the Grapevine” and duet recordings with Mary Wells and Tammi Terrell, later earning the titles “Prince of Motown” and “Prince of Soul.” During the 1970s, Gaye recorded the concept albums What’s Going On and Let’s Get It On and became among the first artists in Motown to break away from the reins of its production company. Gaye’s later recordings influenced several R&B subgenres such as quiet storm and neo-soul.
In 1984, Marvin Gaye was shot by his father, after having a disagreement with his parents earlier over the misplacement of business documents. Unfortunately, Gaye died without a Will, so his estate was of no benefit to his three children. He still owed Anna Gordy Gaye, his ex-wife, $293,00, and the government $1.6 million in back taxes. Thankfully, Gaye’s record royalties paid those debts while Motown and CBS fought in the courts over rights to Gaye’s unreleased recordings.
Marvin Gaye was an illustrious singer, but even singers fail to properly plan. If you want to minimize your estate planning taxes and/or avoid the probate process, then contact The Mendel Law Firm, L.P. for a free initial consultation on estate planning, trust planning, and/or probate issues.
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