On this day, April 1, 1984, Motown legend Marvin Gaye was killed by his father after a heated argument in Los Angeles. The soul singer, who was born in the District, added an “e” to his last name when he started his career, helped transform pop music. His best-known hits were “I Heard It Through the Grapevine,” “Sexual Healing,” “Let’s Get It On” and “What’s Going On.”
Gaye had a troubled relationship with his father, the Rev. Marvin Gay Sr., an Apostolic minister.
Gaye was fatally shot the day before his 45th birthday. His father, 69, was charged with murder, but the charges were dropped after doctors discovered he had a brain tumor.
Gay pleaded no contest to voluntary manslaughter, and was given five years of probation.
– Scott McCabe
