April 1 will mark 25 years since the passing of one of music’s greatest stars ever, Marvin Gaye. His songs have stood the test of time — What’s Going On, I Heard It Through the Grapevine, Sexual Healing, How Sweet It Is (To Be Loved By You), Let’s Get It On — and are anthems that are not only musically classic but deep and emotional as well. We have an article in this weekend’s magazine featuring some of today’s brightest stars sharing their favorite Marvin Gaye songs, including Sugarland’s Jennifer Nettles, Brian McKnight and Joss Stone. Click read more for some extra celebrity thoughts from the likes of Akon and Randy Jackson, and then share your own favorite Marvin Gaye tunes and memories with us in the comments section below.
Kristian Bush, Sugarland: “Sexual Healing. When I was 16, music was all about inuendo — suggesting what we all really wanted to do, but not saying it. But Gaye just came right out and said what it was. It made us all flip out.”
Akon, R&B and "hip-pop" artist/producer (Freedom): “How can I pick? Whether it’s Got to Give it Up or Sexual Healing, he could make any song that was disco or funk so grown-up and sexy. He was a singer, a songwriter and a producer. He went from pop in the 1960s to 1970s soul to 1980s sexy classic and transformed his work seamlessly. All artists can learn from this man. I’m still learning now from him.”
Randy Jackson, American Idol: “What’s Going On. It talks about the tough times, from many years ago, but it’s still apropos.”
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Thanks for remembering and letting us comment & remember with you!!
I can remember listening to his songs as a teenager and just being in awe of his beautiful voice and loving the sexy, sweet love songs!!! He was truly a great! Hope he’s upstairs singing for the lord and filling the Heavens with beautiful sounds!!
Has anyone heard the new Marvin Gaye song, “Soulie” (PRONOUNCED)Sue-Lee? Its on the new Marvin album “then and now”. I love it…what do you guys think. It has never before been released.
Al Green and Marvin Gaye a tie for number one.
I am so happy to see and read about people still remembering Marvin Gaye. He is my favorite singer of all time and I think that he is the greatest singer that has ever lived. Rolling Stone Magazine ranked him number six on the all time greatest singer’s list. I of course don’t agree with that but I’ll live with it. It still bothers me tremendously though that no movie has been done about him yet even though I hear there is one in the works starring JesseL.Martin of “Law & Order” fame. I also think that Phil Morris(son of the late Greg Morris) of “Mission Impossible” fame should be in that movie as well. He would be a great 60′s looking Marvin Gaye. It also angers the hell out of me when VH-1 does its “Classic Album” series and I have still not yet to see Marvin’s “What’s Going On” album on there.What the hell is wrong with that network? How can you have a show on classic albums and you don’t even talk about one of the greatest albums ever written and produced of all time(in my opinion the greatest album of all time. Period.).We should have a remembrance about him every April 1st and 2nd. By the way I stop celebrating April Fool’s Day every year since 1984.It is and will always be a day of remembrance and reflection for me.I love and miss you Marvin so much.I thank God for your life and touching mine’s and multi millions of others.Thank you so much and God Bless You!!! R.I.P.
My favorite song was,let get it on,i like the other one to,but that just turn me on.
Marvin Gaye.
I love all of Marvins music, but my favorite song is: “What do you want with him”
Marvin has touched the hearts of so many especially mine. I play his on a daily basis and never get tired of his voice ~OWWWWW!
I don’t know WHICH Marvin Gaye song is good-
I like them. I grew up hearing them as a child, in
the 1960′s/1970′s
But the musical introduction to I HEARD IT TO THE GRAPE VINE sends chill up my spine.
Spooked me when I was a child.
My favorite Marvin Gaye song is “Wonderful One”. I still play it on my MP3 player everyday. Marvin still remains the only celebrity that I would actually like to be with. I love and miss you Marvin.
Since his death in 1984,every Sunday i play at least one song of his.my favorite song is “DISTANT LOVER”,but it is tied with “COME GET TO THIS”.These 2 songs really show off his very high and low range in his voice.I miss him so very much.25 years since his death have flown by.i love you Marvin….
I can’t choose one song.I love waking up in the middle of the night to his music.
Originally from Detroit (the Motor City) and growing up in MoTown in the 60′s and Pershing H.S. I could vouch for many that “Stubborn Kinda Fella” HAS to be – nay…IS one of Marvin Gaye’s all-time best. Best in dancing, best in guy/girl “roles” of the 60′s, and best in rhythem and sound. As a “gray” dude with my “brothers” in Vietnam Marvin Gaye was always the best. Oh how I miss those days and “that” sound. Still a 60′s “soul brother” just ask me…I’ll tell ya cuz I’m a “stubborn kinda fella.”
My best Marvin Gaye song was when he sang the
national anthem at an NBA all star game.
No one can sing the national anthem like Marvin.
I Love all of Marvin Gaye songs I cannot say that I have a favorite.I was sadden about his death .Even though its been twenty-five years i stil listen to his music.He is my super star male artist. Thank you USA WEEKEND for sharing his legacy.
My favorite Marvin Gaye song is “Chained.” I love that song!