July 26, 2018 

City News Service 

 

A bill to name a post office in South Los Angeles for the late soul singer Marvin Gaye was signed into law today by President Donald Trump.

 

“Marvin Gaye’s music has transcended generations and gave the '70s and '80s a sound,” said Rep. Karen Bass, D-Los Angeles, who introduced HR 1496 to name the post office at 3585 S. Vermont Ave. the Marvin Gaye Post Office.

 

Because of solo hits such as “How Sweet It Is,” “Ain’t That Peculiar,” “I Heard It Through the Grapevine” and his duet singles with such singers as Mary Wells and Tammi Terrell, Gaye was dubbed “The Prince of Motown” and “The Prince of Soul.”

 

Gaye won Grammys in 1983 for best male rhythm and blues vocal performance and best R&B instrumental performance for “Sexual Healing.”

 

Gaye was elected to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 1987 and received a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 1996.

 

Gaye was shot and killed by his father on April 1, 1984, one day before what would have been his 45th birthday.

 

“His music was cathartic,” biographer David Ritz said. “His songs were prayers, meditations, strategies for survival.”

Category: Arts & Culture