Frankie Gaye facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Frankie Gaye
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| Born |
Frances Gay
November 15, 1941 Washington, D.C., U.S
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| Died | December 30, 2001 (aged 60) Los Angeles, California, U.S.
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| Occupation | Recording artist |
| Years active | 1958–2001 |
| Spouse(s) | Judy Tench Irene Duncan
(m. 1978) |
| Children | 5 |
| Musical career | |
| Genres | |
| Instruments | Vocals |
| Labels | Motown |
| Associated acts | Marvin Gaye |
Frankie Gaye (born Frances Gay; November 15, 1941 – December 30, 2001) was an American musician. He was also the brother of famous singer Marvin Gaye. Frankie's experiences during the Vietnam War helped inspire Marvin's song "What's Happening, Brother." This song was part of Marvin's important album, What's Going On.
Contents
Early Life and War Service
Frankie Gaye was born in Washington, D.C., in 1941. He was the third of four children. His parents were Alberta Williams and Marvin Gay, Sr.. Both Frankie and his older brother Marvin loved to sing. They started singing in church. Later, they joined local doo-wop groups.
When he was 25, Frankie joined the army. He served during the Vietnam War. While in the army, he worked as a radio disk jockey. In 1970, Frankie returned home. He had many emotional talks with Marvin about his war experiences. These talks led Marvin to write "What's Happening, Brother." This song was released on Marvin's 1971 album, What's Going On.
Music Career Highlights
In the mid-1970s, Frankie started working with his brother Marvin. He joined Marvin on his concert tours. Sometimes, Marvin would have Frankie perform first. This helped to see how the audience would react. Like his brother, Frankie added an "e" to his last name, Gay.
In 1977, Frankie sang background vocals for Marvin's hit song, "Got to Give It Up, Pt. 1." He also helped write music for the 1979 film, Penitentiary. On April 1, 1984, Frankie and his second wife, Irene, were near his parents' house. Sadly, Marvin Gaye passed away at their parents' house that day.
In 1989, Frankie signed with Motorcity Records. He recorded two songs: "Extraordinary Girl" and "My Brother." The song "My Brother" was also the title track for his 1990 album.
Personal Life
In 1972, Frankie moved to Los Angeles. There, he married his first wife, Judy Tench. They had two daughters named Christy and Denise. After their divorce, Frankie met Irene Duncan in London. She was from Scotland. They got married in 1978. They had three children: April (born 1983), Frankie, Jr. (born 1992), and Fiona (born 1993).
In 1999, Frankie began writing a book. It was a memoir called Marvin Gaye: My Brother. The book was planned to be released in 2002.
Death
Frankie Gaye passed away on December 30, 2001. He was 60 years old. His death was due to problems after a heart attack. His book was released after he died, in 2003. Frankie Gaye is buried at Forest Lawn Memorial Park (Hollywood Hills).
Discography
Albums
- 1979: Penitentiary
- 1990: My Brother
- 1996: The Very Best of Frankie Gaye
Singles
- 1989: "Extraordinary Girl"
- 1990: "My Brother"
