Marvin Gaye, renowned singer, songwriter, and producer, passed away on April 1, 1984, at the age of 44. Born on April 2, 1939, in Washington, D.C., Gaye found success in the music industry early on, launching his career with Motown Records in 1961 and signing a contract in 1962. With timeless hits such as "I Heard It Through the Grapevine," "What's Going On," "Mercy Mercy Me," and many more, Gaye reached superstar status and went on to become one of the most influential artists of all time. Gaye was the recipient of numerous awards, including twelve Grammy Award nominations and two wins, four American Music Awards, and a Lifetime Achievement Award. His music was also awarded the National Medal of Arts by President Bill Clinton in 1996. The other major contribution of Marvin Gaye was his activism. He was always an advocate of social justice and spoke to racial injustices through his lyrics. He was a leader in the civil rights movement, and his advocacy was instrumental in creating broader dialogues about social justice. In addition to music and activism, Gaye was an experienced boxer and a professional basketball player. Marvin Gaye left behind a legacy of classic songs, a steadfast commitment to social justice, and a devoted fan base. He will be remembered for years to come.