The Tragic Life and Death of Marvin Gaye

Marvin Gaye made some of the most beautiful music ever recorded, but behind it was a life defined by a constant struggle for control. On this episode of Tape Spaghetti, Scott and Blake trace Gaye’s journey from an abusive childhood to the pinnacle of Motown, where Berry Gordy’s hit-making machine dictated everything from his sound to his image. Gaye fought back with What’s Going On, staking his career on an album that Gordy didn't want released, and winning spectacularly. But hit records couldn't bring Gaye peace. After a brutal divorce led to a scathingly personal record and millions of dollars in tax debt, Gaye rose from the ashes on the strength of "Sexual Healing," and he once again seemed to be on top of the world. Then an unthinkable family dispute brought everything to a screeching, fatal halt.