Divided Soul
The Life Of Marvin Gaye
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- $12.99
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- $12.99
Publisher Description
"A biography as dramatic as any to come out of the pop field . . . told with sympathy and unflinching candor."--San Francisco Chronicle
In this intimate biography of the Prince of Soul, David Ritz provides a candid look at a star and a friend. Ritz had been collaborating with Gaye on his story for several years before the singer's tragic death, and had conducted a series of extraordinary interviews in which Gaye discussed his deepest secrets. Drawing from these interviews, Gaye's life is recounted in his own words and the words of those who knew him best: his family, friends, and colleagues. What emerges is a full-scale portrait of a charming but tortured artist, a brilliant singer with a divided soul.
Here is Marvin's story from his early years in the slums of Washington, D.C., to is rise to the top of the Motown industry, his fall from grace, his comeback, and finally his sudden, shocking end at the hands of his own father. But it is also the story of his glorious music, and the music of black America over the past fifty years, from gospel to doo-wop to soul to funk. The result is an epic tale whose cast of characters includes Diana Ross, Berry Gordy, Smokey Robinson, and Stevie Wonder, among others.
The definitive biography of an enormously gifted and sensitive man, Divided Soul takes us deep into the life and music of one of America's most passionate--and most troubled--composers and singers.
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
Based largely on interviews for a projected "autobiography'' that was cancelled after Gaye's death in 1984 at the hands of his father, this book is neither especially well-written nor perceptive. PW recommended that the Motown singer's fans ``skip the book and listen to his records instead.''
Customer Reviews
4/5
This was a hard read in the beginning. I found myself skimming as I felt I was reading g a Wikipedia bio but as I got into maybe the 5 chapter, the writers setup changed. I enjoyed the book as it gave a different perspective of his life. I could do without the author input but granted I guess he’s entitled to his own opinion but it seemed forced
What a life!
Ritz helps to understand the myth of Marvin Gaye vs. the tortured reality of his troubled life. Probably as good a document and psychological discourse on a venerated artist as you’ll ever read.