Marvin Gaye was tragically murdered by his father on this date in 1984. The legendary soul singer was one day shy of turning 45 at the time of his untimely death. Recognized as among the greatest soul and R&B singers of all-time, Gaye was posthumously inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame in 1987 and the Songwriters Hall Of Fame in 2016.
As previously chronicled, Gaye was not only an accomplished recording artist but a captivating live performer as well. His onstage skills were on display during his visits to the classic music-based television program Soul Train. Below is footage from Gaye’s various appearances on the series created and hosted by Don Cornelius beginning with live offerings of “Come Get To This,” “Distant Lover” and “Keep On Getting It On, which were featured on Gaye’s outstanding album Let’s Get It On that Motown’s imprint Tamla issued in 1973.
Gaye can then be seen during a different Soul Train appearance performing the “Part 2” B-side to his 1977 single “Got to Give It Up” (Pt. 1).” Lastly, there’s footage of Gaye singing “Rockin’ After Midnight” which he wrote and recorded for his 1982 album Midnight Love.
Watch Marvin Gaye’s Soul Train performances below:
