Marvin Yancy facts for kids

Marvin Jerome Yancy (born May 31, 1950 – died March 22, 1985) was a talented American gospel musician. He was also a pastor and a record producer who won a Grammy Award. Marvin Yancy led the Fountain of Life Baptist Church. He began his music journey in 1971 with a group called The Independents. They were an American R&B vocal group. His only solo album, Heavy Load, came out on January 1, 1985. It reached No. 4 on the Billboard Gospel Albums chart.

Marvin Yancy's Early Life

Marvin Jerome Yancy was born on May 31, 1950, in Chicago, Illinois. His father, Reverend Robert Yancy Sr., was the pastor of Fountain of Life Baptist Church. Marvin's mother was Anne. When his father passed away in 1977, Marvin took over as the church's pastor. He continued to lead the church until his own death.

Marvin Yancy was a bright student. He graduated from Cooley Vocational High School. He also studied at the Moody Bible Institute and The Chicago Bible Institute. Marvin grew up in a large family. He was one of twelve children. He had eight brothers: Robert Jr., Kevin, Derrick, Sherwin, Stevie, Darrel, Melvin, and Terry. He also had four sisters: Geraldine, Faye, Judith, and Linda.

Marvin Yancy's Music Career

Marvin Yancy started his music career in 1971. He joined an American R&B group called The Independents. The group performed together until 1975. After the group broke up, Marvin focused on helping his wife, Natalie Cole. He became her record producer, helping her record and write songs.

Marvin and Natalie had a very successful musical partnership. Natalie Cole won two Grammy Awards for songs that Marvin helped with. She won the award for Best Female R&B Vocal Performance. This was for her song "This Will Be (An Everlasting Love)" in 1976. She won again in 1977 for her song "Sophisticated Lady (She's a Different Lady)".

Marvin Yancy released his only solo album, Heavy Load, on January 1, 1985. It was released by Nashboro Records. This album was very popular and reached No. 4 on the Billboard Gospel Albums chart.

Marvin Yancy's Family Life

Marvin Yancy married singer Natalie Cole on July 31, 1976. They had a son together named Robert Adam "Robbie" Yancy, who was born on October 14, 1977. Their marriage ended in divorce in 1980.

In 1983, Marvin married for a second time to Saundra Renaire Mays. She was a member of his church choir. They had a daughter named Brandy Raquel Yancy. Marvin also had another son named Marvin Jerome Yancy Jr. from an earlier relationship.

Marvin Yancy passed away on March 22, 1985, in Chicago, Illinois. He had a heart attack. He had experienced a minor stroke about a month before his death.

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