Janis Hunter Gaye, Marvin Gaye’s second wife, died on December 3 at the age of 66. Nona Gaye, Janis’ daughter, and former actress shared the news, saying her mother had done all she could to preserve her father’s legacy. Janis’ love for her husband, children, grandchild, and friends, according to Nona, was unending:
“She was the most powerful lady in my life and the lives of many others.” I feel that once you met my mother Jan, you would never forget her.”
Nona said in her statement that she will never see her mother again but is content that she has gone to a peaceful place where her husband resides. The cause of Janis Hunter Gaye’s death has not been revealed, save that she died at her Rhodes Island home.
One of Marvin Gaye’s compositions was inspired by Janis Hunter Gaye.
Although Janis Hunter Gaye’s primary occupation has yet to be identified, she is most known for her marriage to Marvin Gaye. Marvin’s crush for Janis led to the production of the song Jan and the album I Want You, both of which were released in 1976. Janis also sang Marvin’s song, Got To Give It Up. Marvin wore a red helmet, a denim shirt, and silver red-laced platform boots when he played at the Oakland Coliseum in 1974. Janis picked selected all of his clothing.
Slim Gaillard, Janis’ father, was a singer and guitarist. While she never followed in her father’s footsteps, she was instrumental in guiding her daughter’s career in the entertainment world.
Janis Hunter Gaye and Marvin Gaye’s relationship
Janis Hunter Gaye and Marvin Gaye initially met and dated in 1973. They finally began living together, and the following year their daughter Nona was born. The couple married in 1977, and their romance was chronicled in Marvin’s album, I Want You. Janis, on the other hand, filed for divorce after two years for a variety of reasons including domestic violence, drug addiction, and more. In February 1981, the divorce was formalized. The two remained close friends, and despite their best efforts to reconcile before to Marvin’s death, things did not work out.
Marvin Gaye was dubbed the “Prince of Motown” and “Prince of Soul.”
Marvin Gaye was well-known for songs such as Ain’t That Peculiar, How Sweet It Is, and others. He has worked with artists such as Mary Wells, Kim Weston, Diana Ross, and others. His albums What’s Going On and Let’s Get It On were well appreciated by reviewers and fans alike.
In April 1984, his father, Marvin Gay Sr., shot and killed Marvin. The event occurred as a result of an argument, and Gay Sr. was sentenced to six years suspended in addition to five years probation.
