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)

Engaging!

I thought this book was very well done. So tragic and sad a story. I would recommend this book for anyone interested in knowing more about Marvin Gaye. The narration was good as well!

Great story of Marvin Gaye

I loved learning about my favorite singer. This inspired me to never give up on my dreams. No matter what comes my way, just keep singing.

Surprised

I had no idea Marvin Gaye was such a tortured soul. We never know what other people deals with or had to deal with. I enjoyed his music and him as an entertainer. RIP Marvin.

Good story

The pauses are long and unnatural when listening to the book at 3x speed. The editors should listen to all transitions at high speeds before releasing

Enlightened

Loved this book. The insight into Marvin's personal struggle and life was enlightening. Definitely a book worth listening to.