#59: Marvin Gaye

Known as: Singer

Net Worth: $5 million

Children: 3

Marvin Gaye, the legendary singer-songwriter, met a tragic and untimely end in 1984 in a shocking turn of events involving his own father. His musical journey began as a session guitarist, eventually propelling him into the spotlight as a renowned solo artist. Gaye’s contributions to Motown during the vibrant sixties solidified his status as the “Prince of Motown.”

Born in 1939, Gaye experienced two marriages in his lifetime, first with Jan Gaye and later with Anna Gordy Gaye. He was a father to three children: Nona, Marvin III, and Frankie. Remarkably, his life came to a close without the existence of a last will and testament. The responsibility of administering his estate fell upon the shoulders of his son, Marvin III. However, Gaye’s legacy was overshadowed by financial turmoil, leaving behind not a fortune but, instead, mounting debts.