April 1, 1984 was perhaps the worst April Fool’s Day ever. It was the day the world lost the great Marvin Gaye (born Marvin Pentz Gay, Jr.). The day Motown lost it’s prince. The day the music truly died.

Twenty-six years ago today Marvin was shot in his sleep, by his father Marvin Gay Sr., after Junior had broken up an argument between Senior and his mother.

Marvin, who was battling a drug addiction, financial and other problems, had moved back in with his parents weeks before. His father shot him with a gun that Marvin had given him four months prior.

Gaye, after several years of being snubbed, had just won his first two Grammy awards the year before for his epic classic ‘Sexual Healing’ off his Midnight Love album.

Ironically Marvin’s birthday is tomorrow, April 2nd, 1939.

Marvin’s ‘Star Spangled Banner’ (The Best Version Ever)