Trouble Man: The Life and Death of Marvin Gaye

by Steve Turner

Book Overview

Marvin Gaye was a twentieth-century icon, one of our greatest pop singers.He made his name with the Motown sound of the sixties, but went on to become a musical revolutionary with the release of... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0060198214
• ISBN13: 9780060198213
• Release Date: October 2000
• Publisher: Ecco Press
• Length: 272 Pages
• Weight: 0.53 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.0" x 6.5" x 9.4"

Customer Reviews

A must read for ANY Marvin Gaye Fan.

I have studied extensivly the life and music of one of histories most fascinating and interesting artists. I have already read Divided Soul five times over, and Trouble Man uncovers some of the mysteries of Marvin's Life. Trouble Man picks up where Divided Soul leaves off. One of the most interesting facts about Marvin, is that he is the Biological Father of his and Anna Gordy Gaye's adopted son Marvin Jr. Until this book was published, that was a bit of information that few in the musical circles that I run in, knew about. Also the relationships that Marvin kept open with his former wives is informative. In my opinion, the man was a very talented, shy, introverted person, who just happened to also be a star. Women loved him in part because of his sensitivity, and the fact that Marvin acknowledged that he possesed a soft side. Marvin was prophetic, loving, and was years way ahead of his time. It is also reiterated in this book that there was no type of romantic relationship between Marvin, and Tammi Terrell. For anyone who believes that, listen to the end of the song "Ain't Nothing Like The Real Thing" whereby Tammi sings, "Oh Marvin!" If you are a true Marvin fan, you will not be able to put this book down until you are finished reading it!

Trouble Man

To the outside observer, Marvin Gaye had it all. Millions of adoring fans around the world, a seemingly endless money supply, a loving family, and the presence of mind to deprive himself of no desire no matter how sexually deviant or socially inappropriate.Many people would jump at the chance to trade places with Marvin Gaye during the height of his career. As fans we tend to fixate on the accomplishments of those we admire while overlooking any shortcomings they may possess until we've created the image of a perfect icon who probably never existed. These perceptions changes of course, as his fans watched his glamerous world come crashing down. In retrospect, what we are left with are countless questions and an incredible string of shocking circumstances that the music world has never recovered from."Trouble Man" gives readers the joy of actually knowing not only the history of Marvin Gaye but an astounding vision into the type of person he was, the lives he touched, and the inner demons that haunted him until the day he died. The author brings us back to the upbringing of Marvin's father and his father's role in the church as a minister. The issue of religion was key in young Marvin's struggle between gospel and secular music. That battle with his family and his conscience would be the first of many struggles that ultimately defined the man we knew as Marvin Gaye."Trouble Man" is easily the best biography I have read to date. Readers will be taken along on a life full of so much change and up's and downs that I was left awestruck

A difinitive look at The Prince of Soul

As a fellow author on soul music and as something of a historian on Motown and its artists, I thought I knew everything there was to know about Marvin Gaye. Mr. Turner's book quickly proved me wrong. Trouble Man turned out to be a difinitive look at one of the most talented, and obviously one of the most troubled artists in the history of modern popular music. Drawing on exhaustive research (particularly about Gaye's father) and utilizing first hand interviews (most notably with Gaye's second wife, Jan), Turner crafts a tome that has you coming away from the book with a clearer understanding of what made Marvin tick. Although not quite as in-depth as Divided Soul, Trouble Man moves quickly, and is entertaining without being scandalous. This is a must-read for all Marvin Gaye fans.

very deep & moving

Marvin Gaye is one of my all-time favorite Artists.he was something else.he struck a chord with me early on.the honesty & drive of his voice had so much to say & feel.this book deals with the demons & maddness he faced.Steve Turner does a fantastic job here.very essential book that captures the essence of the Man.there will never be another Marvin Gaye he was truly a one of a kind Genius of Hope,Love & Life.a must read that will keep your full attention.

Hot Book On Hot Act

Most books on musicians consist of a series of songwriting sessions, recordings and tours but Trouble Man really has a story to tell. If you like Marvin Gaye's music it's a treasure rove of new information but even if you've never bought a Marvin gaye record you'll still be entertained by this drama of love, sex, jealousy, drugs, paranoia and revenge. The research is tip-top and the style is easy to read. Great photo section too with previously unseen shots of Marvin's bedroom after the shooting.