Where are Marvin Gaye’s children now? Ahead of Grammys' ‘Mercy, Mercy Me’ tribute, a look at soul legend's family
The 63rd Grammys will pay tribute to Marvin Gaye's ‘Mercy, Mercy Me (The Ecology)’, on its 50th anniversary. Deemed as ‘Prince of Soul’, Marvin was hugely instrumental in shaping the sound of ‘Motown’ in the 1960s. Ahead of the tribute, here’s a look at the legendary singer’s family members, who were once hit by the tragedy of the singer’s sudden death at the hand of his father, Marvin Gaye Sr.
Gaye, known as the "number-one purveyor of soul music" left a long legacy of blending “the soul music of the urban scene with the beat of the old-time gospel singer and became an influential force in pop music,” as described by the New York Times after Gaye’s sudden demise. Gaye was the father of three children - Marvin III, Nona and Frankie. Marvin III was adopted by Gaye and his first wife Anna Gordy; he was the birth child of Denise Gordy, Anna's niece, who was 15 at the time.
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Where are Marvin Gaye’s Children now?
Gaye’s children made headlines in 2015 when Nona, Frankie, and Marvin wrote a joint letter, speaking of the legacy left by Gaye and the feud that took place regarding the lawsuit against Robin Thicke and Pharell Williams, who were alleged to have copied Gaye‘s 1977 hit ‘Got to Give It Up’ in the song ‘Blurred Lines’.
Though the court order favored the Gaye family, the joint letter expressed how Gaye would have felt during the whole situation. It read, "If he were alive today, we feel he would embrace the technology available to artists and the diverse music choices and spaces accessible to fans who can stream a song at a moment’s notice,” and added, “But we also know he would be vigilant about safeguarding the artist’s rights. He also gave credit where credit is due.”
Marvin III also got the gifts of his father as the critically acclaimed recording artist and producer was part of a musical duo with Lou Rawls Jr., son of three-time Grammy Award winner, Lou Rawls.
Nona has displayed diverse artistic traits in her career including singing, modeling, and acting. Some of the 46-year-old actress’ most notable works include her character portrayal of Zee in ‘The Matrix Reloaded’ and ‘The Matrix Revolutions’.
At the Grammys, a tributary stage to the 50th anniversary of ‘Mercy, Mercy Me (The Ecology)’ will be performed by an all-nominee ensemble including Afro-Peruvian Jazz Orchestra, Thana Alexa, John Beasley, Camilo, Regina Carter, Alexandre Desplat, Bebel Gilberto, Lupita Infante, Sarah Jarosz, Mykal Kilgore, Ledisi, Mariachi Sol de Mexico de Jose Hernandez, PJ Morton, Gregory Porter, Grace Potter, säje, Gustavo Santaolalla (Bajofondo), Anoushka Shankar, and Kamasi Washington.
Know more about the Grammy pre-show performances here.
Take a look at how to live stream the show ceremony here.
Excited for the pre-show? Tune in to Grammy's YouTube channel on Sunday, March 14 for the Grammy Premiere ceremony which will start at 3 pm ET.
