Divided Soul

The Life of Marvin Gaye

By: David Ritz

Narrated by: Dion Graham

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 Marvin 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. 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 his 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. It is also the story of his glorious music and the music of Black America over the past 50 years, an epic tale whose cast of characters includes Diana Ross, Berry Gordie, Smokey Robinson, and Stevie Wonder.

©1991 David Ritz (P)1995 Blackstone Audio, Inc.

Critic reviews

"[David Ritz] tells Marvin Gaye's sorrowful story with remarkable insight and sensitivity....Divided Soul is often startlingly candid, but it manages to avoid lurid sensationalism, no mean feat given the particulars of the story: sex, drugs, child abuse, show business scandal." ( The Nation)

A Sad Truth

I love reading biographies of people who I admire for their talent or service to others.
The author took me on a Rollercoaster of emotions.

Exquisite Details

The author did a great job in taking the reader into the singer’s life, up close and personal. This was enhanced by the narrator, who was on point throughout the entire audiobook.

In regards to the actual content, I had a very primitive idea about Marvin’s life and his struggles. While listening to this audiobook I literally felt like I was going through time with him.

Marvin Gaye voice reading

This book was good but the narrator who read for Marvin was disturbing. Marvin Haye spoke very elegantly listening to this book the narrator who is speaking as Marvin makes him sound like a runaway slave and sometimes a laid back pimp from on of them movies in the 70s.

Wow I never knew

Very interesting and this book answers many questions. The book/listen sheds light on the complicated life of Marvin Gaye. His triumphs and epic failures absolutely love the story. May his trouble Soul Rest In Peace

Save The Children

Super sad and uplifting. Prince MG. A fright for daddies love. We need healing