Blues, Jazz & Soul

One of the most important musical giants to emerge from Motown, Marvin Gaye was a living legend who helped to invigorate both R&B and soul music.

Born in a religious family, Gaye first sang in church. After graduating from high school and serving in the Air Force, he sang in the Washington D.C. area, making his recording debut in 1958 with the Rainbows and in Chicago with the Moonglows. He was discovered by Berry Gordy Jr. in 1961 and signed to Motown. Originally a session drummer, he emerged as a solo singer although it took a few years for him to catch on. 1964's Together, his duet album with Mary Wells, had a few hits and, starting in 1965, he had 39 top 40 singles for Motown. Gaye made such songs as "Ain't No Mountain High Enough," "Your Precious Love," "Ain't Nothing Like the Real Thing," "I Heard it Through the Grapevine," 1970's "What's Going On," "Mercy Mercy Me (The Ecology)," "Inner City Blues," "Let's Get it On" and "Sexual Healing" famous.

Sexual Healing is a collection that has some of Marvin Gaye's finest performances including "I Heard it Through the Grapevine," "What's Going On," "Inner City Blues" and an intriguing five-song medley. Gaye's ability to stretch R&B towards both jazz and social issues is very much in evidence on this recommended release, which serves as a fine introduction to his innovative music.

—Scott Yanow