Singer. He was an American singer of the 20th century. As the younger brother of award-winning Motown singer, Marvin Gaye, his singing career was overshadowed by Marvin's enormous success. In 1973, while on tour with his brother Marvin, he was sent on stage alone, and in confusion, the audience thought Frankie was Marvin as Frankie not only looked like his famous brother, but sounded like him too. While Marvin was touring in the spotlights, he stayed behind in Detroit, establishing himself as a singer on the Washington club circuit. With the death of Marvin in 1984, his singing career blossomed with Motown Records. He recorded the album "My Brother" in 1990, which was one of three albums he recorded. With Kim Weston, Frankie re-recorded "It Takes Two" in 1992; Marvin and Kim had originally recorded the song in 1966. He was a Vietnam veteran, and after being drafted in 1965, he served for five years in the Army. Originally written and recorded by Marvin in 1971, he rerecorded Marvin's hit "What's Going On." This song was based on Frankie's experiences during his service in the Vietnam War. Though Francis' original surname was spelled "Gay," like Marvin and a sister, it was changed to "Gaye." He married twice and had five children. Shortly before his death from the complications of a heart attack, he completed a biography, "Marvin Gaye: My Brother," which was published in 2003.
Singer. He was an American singer of the 20th century. As the younger brother of award-winning Motown singer, Marvin Gaye, his singing career was overshadowed by Marvin's enormous success. In 1973, while on tour with his brother Marvin, he was sent on stage alone, and in confusion, the audience thought Frankie was Marvin as Frankie not only looked like his famous brother, but sounded like him too. While Marvin was touring in the spotlights, he stayed behind in Detroit, establishing himself as a singer on the Washington club circuit. With the death of Marvin in 1984, his singing career blossomed with Motown Records. He recorded the album "My Brother" in 1990, which was one of three albums he recorded. With Kim Weston, Frankie re-recorded "It Takes Two" in 1992; Marvin and Kim had originally recorded the song in 1966. He was a Vietnam veteran, and after being drafted in 1965, he served for five years in the Army. Originally written and recorded by Marvin in 1971, he rerecorded Marvin's hit "What's Going On." This song was based on Frankie's experiences during his service in the Vietnam War. Though Francis' original surname was spelled "Gay," like Marvin and a sister, it was changed to "Gaye." He married twice and had five children. Shortly before his death from the complications of a heart attack, he completed a biography, "Marvin Gaye: My Brother," which was published in 2003.
Bio by: Linda Davis
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