On 2nd April, USPS released a commemorative postage stamp at Greek Theatre to celebrate the 80th birth anniversary of the late soul singer Marvin Gaye. The stamp belongs to the Music Icons series and features a portrait of Gaye inspired by one of his original photographs. The stamp pane is designed like a vintage 45 rpm record sleeve. One side holds the stamps while the other side talks about Gaye, and a silver image of a record coming out from the sleeve. Another portrait of Gaye is featured on the reverse side with Music Icons series logo.

Marvin Gaye is also known as the "Prince of Soul" because of his magical voice and timeless music. Some of his greatest solo hits were “How Sweet It Is,” “Ain’t That Peculiar,” “I Heard It Through the Grapevine”. He also sang several popular songs with Mary Wells and Tammi Terrell etc Veterans from the music industry like Motown Records founder Berry Gordy, singers Mary Wilson and Smokey Robinson were present at the ceremonial event.

Gaye won Grammys in 1983 for best male rhythm and blues vocal as well as instrumental performance. He entered the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 1987 and also received a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 1996.

Gaye was shot dead by his father after a brawl on 1st April 1984. As per the reports, Gale was high on drugs and had attacked his father violently, due to which his father fired the gun. His father finally received a six-year suspended sentence and five years of probation.

Click here to read about other postage stamps from the Music Icons series. Visit philamart to view and purchase variety of stamps from all over the world.

Image Courtesy: USPS