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The Power Of Gospel Gets Explored In A New Documentary Series

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Music

The Power Of Gospel Gets Explored In A New Documentary Series

February 1, 2019 • Behind musical legends like Aretha Franklin, Elvis Presley and Ray Charles is one timeless genre that spans across lifetimes: gospel music.

Ed Sheeran Sued For $100 Million Over Supposed Song Similarity

Ed Sheeran's song "Thinking Out Loud" is now the target of two lawsuits alleging similarities to Marvin Gaye's "Let's Get it On" that infringe on copyright. John MacDougall/AFP/Getty Images hide caption

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Music News

Ed Sheeran Sued For $100 Million Over Supposed Song Similarity

June 28, 2018 • Sheeran is being sued over supposed similarities between his song "Thinking Out Loud" and the indelible Marvin Gaye hit "Let's Get It On."

Leon Ware, Songwriter Behind Several R&B Powerhouses, Dies

Songwriter, producer and singer Leon Ware at the 2016 ASCAP Rhythm & Soul Awards in Beverly Hills, Calif. in June 2016. Ware died TKTK. Earl Gibson III/Getty Images hide caption

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The Record

Leon Ware, Songwriter Behind Several R&B Powerhouses, Dies

February 24, 2017 • His work helped fuel the careers of artists like Marvin Gaye, The Isley Brothers, Michael Jackson, and Ike and Tina Turner — and also provided a wellspring of samples to hip-hop.

A Nod To Soul — Or Just Stealing? Ed Sheeran Faces Another Copyright Suit

Singer-songwriter Ed Sheeran accepting the Grammy for Best Pop Solo Performance for "Thinking Out Loud" in February 2016. Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images hide caption

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The Record

A Nod To Soul — Or Just Stealing? Ed Sheeran Faces Another Copyright Suit

August 11, 2016 • The family of the co-writer of Marvin Gaye's 1973 soul classic "Let's Get It On" is alleging that the Sheeran song "Thinking Out Loud" sounds way too familiar.

Marvin Gaye's 'What's Going On': Songs We Love

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Music Lists

Marvin Gaye's 'What's Going On': Songs We Love

May 20, 2011 • What's Going On was an instant classic, as well as one of the most influential records from a passionate and enduring icon. Read NPR staff members' reflections on its legacy.

Marvin Gaye's 'What's Going On': Songs We Love

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Northern Soul: When Britain Raved To R&B

Marvin Gaye walks ahead of his Rolls Royce in Notting Hill, London, in 1976. John Minihan/Getty Images hide caption

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The Mix

Northern Soul: When Britain Raved To R&B

KALW

November 20, 2013 • Fifteen years before the first East London warehouse party, young Brits congregated in dancehalls and partied all night to rare American R&B music.

Northern Soul Radio

New Music

20 Years Ago, Marvin Gaye Took 'National Anthem' To New Heights

February 7, 2003 • It was 20 years ago, at the 1983 NBA All-Star Game, that Marvin Gaye stole the show with his singular rendition of the National Anthem, set to a sultry rhythym-and-blues beat.

20 Years Ago, Marvin Gaye Took 'National Anthem' To New Heights

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Music Lists

The Many Sides Of 'The Star Spangled Banner'

January 20, 2009 • The story of Francis Scott Key's "Star Spangled Banner" is the stuff of grade-school history books. But the song has inspired some memorable interpretations in the recent past, as each performer imbues it with a personal take on patriotism.

Best Music Of 2008

The Year On Vinyl: Dropping The Needle

WFUV On-Air: Music Discovery Starts Here

December 11, 2008 • Now that the MP3 is king, vinyl has become something of an underground revolution. More and more artists have begun to insist on releasing their new albums on vinyl, and music fans who jettisoned their collections in favor of "clear, perfect digital sound CDs" are raiding garage sales and rediscovering analog music all over again. Here are 10 releases from 2008 that are worth the extra effort of vinyl.

Music News

Marvin Gaye Honored with Belgian Food

May 5, 2008 • A new bistro in Washington honors the memory of Motown legend Marvin Gaye. Gaye spent some of the happiest days in the Belgian beach resort town of Ostend ... detoxing.

Marvin Gaye Honored with Belgian Food

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Music Interviews

A Tribute to Marvin Gaye

April 1, 2005 • On April 1, 1984, pop, soul and R&B singer Marvin Gaye was shot and killed by his father at their home in Los Angeles. News and Notes remembers Gaye and his music on the eve of his birthday.

A Tribute to Marvin Gaye

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Music News

Michael Eric Dyson Commentary: Marvin Gaye's Story

April 22, 2004 • Commentator Michael Eric Dyson discusses his latest book, Mercy, Mercy Me: The Art, Loves and Demons of Marvin Gaye.

Michael Eric Dyson Commentary: Marvin Gaye's Story

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Music Interviews

Remembering Marvin Gaye, 25 Years After Death

April 1, 2004 • Today marks the 20th anniversary of the death of music legend Marvin Gaye, who was killed by his father in 1984. NPR's Tavis Smiley talks with David Ritz, an old friend of Gaye's, about the musician's life, tragic death and long-lasting legacy.

Remembering Marvin Gaye, 25 Years After Death

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Music News

Commentary: Growing Up in Motown

March 5, 2004 • Commentator Hank Rosenfeld grew up in Detroit, Mich. — and that meant growing up with Motown music and musicians, including Marvin Gaye mowing his lawn.

Commentary: Growing Up in Motown

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Music Interviews

Michael Eric Dyson: Older Than Marvin Gaye

November 13, 2003 • Commentator Michael Eric Dyson just turned 45. Marvin Gaye is the subject of his next book, and Dyson reflects on the fact that Gaye was murdered one day before his 45th birthday.

Michael Eric Dyson: Older Than Marvin Gaye

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Music Interviews

Marvin Gaye Anthem

February 7, 2003 • We remember the memorable performance of the National Anthem by singer Marvin Gaye at the 1983 NBA All-Star game.

'What's Going On': A New Generation Answers

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YR Media

'What's Going On': A New Generation Answers

May 3, 2012 • As part of a project commemorating Marvin Gaye's breakthrough protest album What's Going On, Youth Radio producer Brandon McFarland was asked to remix Gaye's raw tracks with lyrics and contributions from Oakland-area youths.

'What's Going On': A New Generation Answers

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In Modern Rap, Echoes Of Marvin Gaye's Deep, Damaged Soul

Marvin Gaye (at left), pictured here circa 1964, at the age of 25. At right, the 24-year-old rapper Drake. Gaye died in 1984, two years before Drake was born. Charlie Gillett Collection (left) / Frederick M. Brown/Getty Images hide caption

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The Record

In Modern Rap, Echoes Of Marvin Gaye's Deep, Damaged Soul

June 17, 2011 • The new song "Marvin's Room" by rapper Drake glances back at Gaye's sultry, vulnerable persona.

'What's Going On': A Departure That Defined A Generation

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Music Interviews

'What's Going On': A Departure That Defined A Generation

June 1, 2011 • Marvin Gaye's classic album What's Going On was released 40 years ago in May. To celebrate, Motown UME is about to release a special collection featuring one of the soul singer's finest works.

'What's Going On': A Departure That Defined A Generation

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Harvey Fuqua was one of the major forces at Motown Records. Michael Ochs Archives hide caption

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Michael Ochs Archives

Music News

Harvey Fuqua: From Doo-Wop To Disco

July 13, 2010 • Though he didn't attract the same recognition as the Holland-Dozier-Holland team or the late Norman Whitfield, the Motown producer, who died July 6, was pivotal in the history of soul music. His talent touched many classic recordings in a career spanning more than three decades. Here's a look at five of his most notable contributions.

The Story Of Marvin Gaye's 'What's Going On'

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The NPR 100

The Story Of Marvin Gaye's 'What's Going On'

August 7, 2000 • Marvin Gaye's classic faced the forces shaping American culture at the beginning of the '70s.

The Story Of Marvin Gaye's 'What's Going On'

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