MARVIN GAYE: I HEARD IT THROUGH THE GRAPEVINE

Rating:
Summary: Another Powerful Read on Marvin Gaye
Review: Marvin Gaye not only was a musical Genius but the Cat was just very down to earth.reading on Him has always been interesting to me because the Guy was very Complex&so many things went down.His Battle with Motown over His Artistic Direction,Berry Gordy,Marvin&His Wives,His Mother&His Father.so many things involved.this Book takes on all of that&was very well Written.

Rating:
Summary: i hate to say this, because I had high hopes ... but
Review: this book is really not good. David Ritz's Gaye bio isn't perfect, but it's way better. The quotes Davis uses from interviews are just plain lame: mostly they are broad and impersonal. This book works better as a history of Motown, but not even so well as that.

Rating:
Summary: Healing
Review: This book tells the story of Gaye, his relationship with his family, Motown, Berry Gordy, his wives (one of which was Gordy's sister, Anna) and with his fans.

Unlike other bios of Motown stars (Knight, Reeves)this one is packed with info and personal details about the singer. Marvin is very candid as well as other members of his family about his relationship with his father. It also seems that Marvin is bashing Berry Gordy...the man who gave him a chance at stardom. It also seems that Marvin (along with other Motown stars)is jealous of the attention paid to Diana Ross. Marvin looked up to Berry and was hurt when he could not receive approval of his father figure.

The relationship he had with his wives Anna Gordy and Janis Hunter is also discussed-- although very briefly especially in terms of Hunter. I would've liked to know more about the teen girl Marvin called his inspiration. It is clear that Marvin's long battle with COCAINE, keeps from maintaining healthy relationships with any one.

The end of 'GRAPEVINE' talks about the tragic death of Marvin. I was very satisfied with Davis's work on this subject.

This book gave a great sense of comfort and allowed me to ......... Heal.
Thanks Davis, I am looking forward to your new book on Diana Ross.