So I've always been a fan of Marvins work and he is one of my fav artists and I've seen some documentaries on his life, but I would like to know if there are any good books on him? Please let me know as I might write an essay about him later this spring.

The best one imho is Divided Soul. I'm spiffy about the others though (Trouble Man by Steve Turner, I Heard It Through the Grapevine by Sharon Davis, Mercy Mercy Me: The Art, Loves and Demons of Marvin Gaye, My Brother, Marvin by Frankie Gaye, etc.).

Divided Soul by David Ritz is the definitive bio on Marvin. But if you want a nice and philosophical view of his work, you have to read Mercy, Mercy, Me: The Art, Loves and Demons of Marvin Gaye by Michael Eric Dyson. By far, the best book I've read on Marvin's music.

Timmy84 said:

silverchild said:

GoldDolphin said:

Timmy84 said:

The best one imho is Divided Soul. I'm spiffy about the others though (Trouble Man by Steve Turner, I Heard It Through the Grapevine by Sharon Davis, Mercy Mercy Me: The Art, Loves and Demons of Marvin Gaye, My Brother, Marvin by Frankie Gaye, etc.).

Thank you! Could I find these books on amazon? And the book Divided soul, does it focus more about his private life or does it focus on his music?

Private life but it does touch on some of his music. Eric's book covers more of the music I guess.

GoldDolphin said:

silverchild said:

Divided Soul by David Ritz is the definitive bio on Marvin. But if you want a nice and philosophical view of his work, you have to read Mercy, Mercy, Me: The Art, Loves and Demons of Marvin Gaye by Michael Eric Dyson. By far, the best book I've read on Marvin's music.

Thanks! Which one would you recommend for educational purposes (that might go more in depth in his music)?

Definitely Mercy, Mercy, Me. Excellent read.