Marvin Gaye Tribute Ceremony Planned for 25th Anniversary

On Wednesday, April 1st, it will be 25 years since legendary Motown singer Marvin Gaye was killed. For many, the loss of Marvin Gaye seems just like yesterday. To remember the singer, who was termed “one of the most gifted, visionary and enduring talents ever launched into orbit by the Motown hit machine,” the Los Angeles Chapter, Motown Alumni Association (MAA), in conjunction with the Los Angeles Urban Policy Roundtable, will hold a cand lelight tribute ceremony. Read more: Radio Facts Legacy 30th Anniversary Issue.

The ceremony will be held at sunset (approximately 6:30PM) at Marvin Gaye’s star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, located at 1500 Vine Street, just north of Sunset Boulevard. The public is cordially welcome to join numerous invited Motown label mates including Claudette Robinson (“The Miracles”), Brenda Holloway (“Every Little Bit Hurts”), Janie Bradford (“Money “), Betty Kelly (“Martha & The Vand ellas”), Scherrie Payne (“The Supremes”), Freda Payne (“Band of Gold”), Susaye Green (“The Supremes”), Mabel John (“Your Good Thing “), Brian and Eddie Holland , Louis Price (“The Temptations”), and many others. Others invitees include Marvin Gaye, III (Marvin’s son), Kitty Sears (Marvin’s personal assistant) and other family members.”We held a similar ceremony five years ago,” says Ron Brewington, Executive Director, Los Angeles Chapter, MAA.”Hundreds of Marvin’s fans came just to recollect the many memories that they have had over the years because of his music and how it impacted on their lives,” says Brewington.

The public is asked to bring cand les, to be lit in memory of “The Prince of Motown” for what happened on April 1st and also to celebrate what would have been Gaye’s 70th birthday on April 2nd. “There was only one Marvin Gaye,” says Earl Ofari Hutchinson, President, Los Angeles Urban Policy Roundtable “His music will never die,” says Hutchinson. For further information, contact Ron Brewington at: (323) 533-1036 or [email protected] more stories, visit Radio Facts. See more in 2007thru2010.