Marvin Gaye (Washington, DC, April 2, 1939 - Los Angeles, CA, April 1, 1984), born Marvin Pentz Gay, Jr., was an American singer-songwriter and musician. Gaye helped to shape the sound of Motown Records in the 1960s with a string of hits and later earning the titles "Prince of Motown" and "Prince of Soul".  Since his death in 1984, Gaye has been posthumously honored by many institutions, including the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.