Trivia About Marvin Gaye

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  • 1/27 Questions

    Why did Marvin Gaye's string of duets with Tammi Terrell end?

    • She Had A Brain Tumor
    • She Got Married
    • His Wife Suspected An Affair
    • She Was Released By Motown
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About This Quiz

Explore the life and career of Marvin Gaye through this engaging quiz. Test your knowledge on his duets, attempted sports career, and significant performances. Understand his impact on music and culture.

Trivia About Marvin Gaye - Quiz

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  • 2. 

    What decade is the hit single "Sexual Healing" by Marvin Gaye from?

    • Nineties

    • Eighties

    • Seventies

    • Sixties

    Correct Answer
    A. Eighties
    Explanation
    "Sexual Healing" is a hit single by Marvin Gaye, which indicates that it was released during a particular decade. The answer "Eighties" aligns with the timeframe when this song became popular. Marvin Gaye released "Sexual Healing" in 1982, making it a prominent song of the 1980s.

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  • 3. 

    What professional sports team did Marvin Gaye try to join in the 1970's?

    • The Baltimore Orioles

    • The L.A. Dodgers

    • The New York Giants

    • The Detroit Lions

    Correct Answer
    A. The Detroit Lions
    Explanation
    Marvin Gaye tried to join the Detroit Lions in the 1970s.

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  • 4. 

    Where was singer Marvin Gaye born?

    • Detroit, Michigan

    • New York City

    • Washington, D.C.

    • Mobile, Alabama

    Correct Answer
    A. Washington, D.C.
    Explanation
    Marvin Gaye, the singer, was born in Washington, D.C. This information is not explicitly mentioned in the question, but it is a well-known fact about his birthplace.

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  • 5. 

    What decade is the hit single "Got To Give It Up, Pt. 1" by Marvin Gaye from?

    • Eighties

    • Nineties

    • Sixties

    • Seventies

    Correct Answer
    A. Seventies
    Explanation
    The hit single "Got To Give It Up, Pt. 1" by Marvin Gaye is from the seventies.

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  • 6. 

    In what song does Marvin Gaye sing, "Natural fact is, I can't pay my taxes"?

    • Inner City Blues

    • What's Going On

    • Here, My Dear

    • Mercy, Mercy Me

    Correct Answer
    A. Inner City Blues
    Explanation
    In the song "Inner City Blues," Marvin Gaye sings the line "Natural fact is, I can't pay my taxes." This lyric reflects the social and economic issues prevalent in inner-city communities, where many people struggle to make ends meet and face financial hardships. The song is a commentary on the challenges and injustices faced by marginalized communities, making it a powerful and thought-provoking piece of music.

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  • 7. 

    Who did Marvin Gaye sing with on his last album of duets?

    • Tammi Terrell

    • Diana Ross

    • Gladys Knight

    • Donna Summer

    Correct Answer
    A. Diana Ross
    Explanation
    Marvin Gaye sang with Diana Ross on his last album of duets. This collaboration between the two iconic singers resulted in the release of the album "Diana & Marvin" in 1973. The album featured popular duets such as "You Are Everything" and "My Mistake (Was to Love You)". The partnership between Marvin Gaye and Diana Ross showcased their incredible vocal chemistry and contributed to the success of the album.

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  • 8. 

    What was Marvin Gaye's first gig at Motown?

    • Session Drummer

    • Backup Singer

    • Songwriter

    • Producer

    Correct Answer
    A. Session Drummer
    Explanation
    Marvin Gaye's first gig at Motown was as a session drummer. This means that he was hired to play drums for various recording sessions at the Motown record label. This role allowed him to showcase his musical talents and gain experience in the industry before eventually becoming a successful singer and songwriter in his own right.

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  • 9. 

    What important London performance did Marvin Gaye fail to show for in 1980?

    • Opening Of His First European Tour

    • The European Grammies

    • A Royal Command Performance

    • African Hunger Relief Benefit

    Correct Answer
    A. A Royal Command Performance
    Explanation
    Marvin Gaye failed to show for a Royal Command Performance in London in 1980.

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  • 10. 

    What city has named a park after Marvin Gaye?

    • Washington, DC

    • New Orleans

    • Detroit

    • New York City

    Correct Answer
    A. Washington, DC
    Explanation
    Washington, DC has named a park after Marvin Gaye. Marvin Gaye was a renowned American singer, songwriter, and record producer. He was born in Washington, DC and had a significant impact on the music industry with his soulful and socially conscious music. As a tribute to his legacy, the city of Washington, DC decided to honor him by naming a park after him. This park serves as a reminder of his contributions to the music world and his connection to the city where he was born.

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  • 11. 

    What did Marvin Gaye sing in his final live performance?

    • Amazing Grace

    • Sexual Healing

    • What's Going On

    • The Star Spangled Banner

    Correct Answer
    A. The Star Spangled Banner
    Explanation
    Marvin Gaye sang "The Star Spangled Banner" in his final live performance.

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  • 12. 

    What song won Marvin Gaye his first Grammy?

    • Sexual Healing

    • What's Going On

    • Ain't Nothing Like The Real Thing

    • It Takes Two

    Correct Answer
    A. Sexual Healing
    Explanation
    "Sexual Healing" won Marvin Gaye his first Grammy. This song, released in 1982, became a huge hit and is considered one of Gaye's signature songs. It not only topped the charts but also earned him critical acclaim, leading to his first Grammy win. The song's sensual lyrics and infectious melody resonated with audiences, making it a timeless classic in Marvin Gaye's discography.

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  • 13. 

    What famous singer did Marvin Gaye's daughter Nona work closely with?

    • Natalie Cole

    • Diana Ross

    • Michael Jackson

    • Prince

    Correct Answer
    A. Prince
    Explanation
    Nona Gaye, the daughter of Marvin Gaye, worked closely with Prince.

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  • 14. 

    What was Marvin Gaye's first Top 10 single?

    • Trouble Man

    • What's Going On

    • Pride And Joy

    • How Sweet It Is

    Correct Answer
    A. Pride And Joy
    Explanation
    Marvin Gaye's first Top 10 single was "Pride And Joy." This song was released in 1963 and reached number ten on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. It showcased Gaye's soulful vocals and became one of his signature songs. "Trouble Man" was released in 1972 and reached number seven on the R&B chart, but it did not make it into the Top 10 on the Hot 100. "What's Going On" was released in 1971 and became one of Gaye's biggest hits, but it was not his first Top 10 single. "How Sweet It Is" was released in 1964 and reached number six on the Hot 100, but it was also not Gaye's first Top 10 single.

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  • 15. 

    What was the primary benefit of the success of "What's Going On" for Marvin Gaye?

    • Met His Second Wife

    • The Royalties Paid His Tax Bill

    • Won A Grammy

    • Creative Control Of His Music

    Correct Answer
    A. Creative Control Of His Music
    Explanation
    The primary benefit of the success of "What's Going On" for Marvin Gaye was gaining creative control of his music. This means that he had the freedom to express himself artistically and make decisions about his own music without interference from record labels or producers. This allowed him to explore new musical styles and themes, resulting in the creation of a groundbreaking and influential album that resonated with audiences and critics alike.

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  • 16. 

    Erick Sermon (Featuring Marvin Gaye) had which of these hit singles in 2001?

    • The Wanderer

    • Music

    • I'll Be There For Your

    • Ice Ice Baby

    Correct Answer
    A. Music
    Explanation
    In 2001, Erick Sermon (Featuring Marvin Gaye) had a hit single called "Music". This song gained popularity and charted well during that year.

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  • 17. 

    What British group's one hit single was recorded as a tribute to Marvin Gaye?

    • Glass Tiger

    • Roxy Music

    • El DeBarge

    • Spandau Ballet

    Correct Answer
    A. Spandau Ballet
    Explanation
    Spandau Ballet's one hit single, "True," was recorded as a tribute to Marvin Gaye. The song was released in 1983 and became a huge success for the British group. Its soulful sound and romantic lyrics were influenced by Marvin Gaye's music, particularly his album "Midnight Love." Spandau Ballet's lead singer, Tony Hadley, has mentioned in interviews that Marvin Gaye was a major inspiration for the song.

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  • 18. 

    What Motown girl-group classic did Marvin Gaye co-write?

    • Be My Baby

    • Stop In The Name Of Love

    • Dancing In The Street

    • Ain't No Mountain High Enough

    Correct Answer
    A. Dancing In The Street
    Explanation
    Marvin Gaye co-wrote the Motown girl-group classic "Dancing In The Street." This song was originally recorded by Martha and the Vandellas in 1964 and became a signature hit for the group. Marvin Gaye collaborated with songwriters William "Mickey" Stevenson and Ivy Jo Hunter to create this energetic and catchy track that has since become an iconic Motown anthem. The song's infectious rhythm and empowering lyrics have made it a timeless favorite in the Motown catalog.

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  • 19. 

    Who did Marvin Gaye sing with on his first hit album, "Together"?

    • Anna Gordy

    • Tammi Terrell

    • Gladys Knight

    • Mary Wells

    Correct Answer
    A. Mary Wells
    Explanation
    Marvin Gaye's first hit album, "Together," featured collaborations with various artists. One of these artists was Mary Wells. Mary Wells was a successful Motown singer known for her hit songs such as "My Guy" and "You Beat Me to the Punch." Marvin Gaye and Mary Wells recorded several duets together, including the popular songs "Once Upon a Time" and "What's the Matter With You Baby." Their collaboration on the album "Together" helped establish Marvin Gaye's career and showcased their incredible vocal chemistry.

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  • 20. 

    Why did Diana Ross and Marvin Gaye record vocals for their album of duets separately?

    • Marvin Gaye Kept Showing Up Late

    • Marvin Gaye Was In Europe

    • Diana Ross Upset Gaye Left Motown

    • Marvin Gaye's Marijuana Smoking

    Correct Answer
    A. Marvin Gaye's Marijuana Smoking
    Explanation
    Marvin Gaye's marijuana smoking is the suggested explanation for why Diana Ross and Marvin Gaye recorded vocals for their album of duets separately. This implies that Gaye's marijuana use may have affected his ability to be present and focused during recording sessions, leading to the decision to record their vocals separately.

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  • 21. 

    In what church was Marvin Gaye's father a minister?

    • Baptist

    • Pentecostal

    • The House Of God

    • Seventh Day Adventist

    Correct Answer
    A. The House Of God
    Explanation
    Marvin Gaye's father was a minister in The House Of God church.

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  • 22. 

    On what album cover does Marvin Gaye appear as both an angel and a devil?

    • Trouble Man

    • What's Going On

    • In Our Lifetime

    • United

    Correct Answer
    A. In Our Lifetime
    Explanation
    Marvin Gaye appears as both an angel and a devil on the album cover of "In Our Lifetime."

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  • 23. 

    In Marvin Gaye's song "Here, My Dear" what one thing does he say he can't live without?

    • His Son

    • Marijuana

    • Racial Equality

    • His Music

    Correct Answer
    A. His Son
    Explanation
    Marvin Gaye's song "Here, My Dear" is a deeply personal and introspective track that reflects on his failed marriage and divorce. In the song, he expresses his love and attachment to his son, emphasizing that he cannot live without him. The lyrics convey a sense of emotional connection and the importance of family bonds in Marvin Gaye's life.

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  • 24. 

    Which of the following groups is Marvin Gaye credited for discovering?

    • The Jackson 5

    • Earth, Wind And Fire

    • The Commodores

    • Maze Featuring Frankie Beverly

    Correct Answer
    A. Maze Featuring Frankie Beverly
    Explanation
    Marvin Gaye is credited for discovering Maze Featuring Frankie Beverly.

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  • 25. 

    Why did Marvin Gaye leave Motown in 1981?

    • He Wanted A Better Contract

    • His Divorce From Anna Gordy

    • They Changed Album Without Consent

    • They Insisted He Return To The US

    Correct Answer
    A. They Changed Album Without Consent
    Explanation
    Marvin Gaye left Motown in 1981 because they changed his album without his consent. This suggests that Motown made changes to Gaye's work without consulting him, which could have been a breach of trust or artistic integrity. This may have led Gaye to feel disrespected or undervalued, ultimately prompting his decision to leave the label.

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  • 26. 

    What actor stars as Marvin Gaye in a movie about the last years of his life?

    • Blair Underwood

    • Taye Diggs

    • Jesse L. Martin

    • Jamie Foxx

    Correct Answer
    A. Jesse L. Martin
    Explanation
    Jesse L. Martin stars as Marvin Gaye in a movie about the last years of his life.

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  • 27. 

    How many Top 40 singles did Marvin Gaye have?

    • 15

    • 41

    • 37

    • 18

    Correct Answer
    A. 41

Quiz Review Timeline (Updated): Mar 20, 2023 +

Our quizzes are rigorously reviewed, monitored and continuously updated by our expert board to maintain accuracy, relevance, and timeliness.

  • Current Version
  • Mar 20, 2023
    Quiz Edited by
    ProProfs Editorial Team
  • Feb 12, 2015
    Quiz Created by
    Thames
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