Frankie Gaye
| Frankie Gaye | |
|---|---|
 |
|
| Born |
Frances Gaye November 15, 1941 Washington, D.C. U.S |
| Died | December 30, 2001 (aged 60) Los Angeles, California U.S. |
| Occupation | Recording artist |
| Spouse(s) | Judy Tench Irene Duncan (1978–2001; his death) |
| Children | 5 |
Frances "Frankie" Gaye (November 15, 1941 – December 30, 2001) was an American recording artist and brother of American recording artist Marvin Gaye. Gaye's recollections of his tenure at the Vietnam War inspired Marvin's song "What's Happening Brother", from the album What's Going On.
Frances "Frankie" Gaye was born in Washington, D.C., the third of four children born to Alberta (née) Williams and Marvin Gaye, Sr. in 1941. Both Frankie and elder brother Marvin sung, first in church and then with local doo-wop groups.
Frankie had several jobs in Washington, D.C. before answering the draft to serve his country during the Vietnam War at 25; he served as a radio disk jockey. In 1970, Frankie returned to civilian life in D.C. Emotional conversations between Frankie and Marvin over Frankie's horrific recollections of the war led to Marvin to compose the song "What's Happening Brother", later issued for Marvin's album, What's Going On, released in 1971.
Starting in the mid-1970s, Frankie began working with his brother, joining him on the road during Gaye's concert tours and sometimes, to test audience reactions, Marvin would place Frankie onstage first before he arrived. Like his brother and, later, their sister Zeola, Frankie added an "e" to his surname.
In 1977, Frankie participated in background vocals for Marvin's hit, "Got to Give It Up, Pt. 1" and contributed co-composition rights for music for the 1979 film, Penitentiary.
Frankie and his second wife (later widow), Irene, were next door to their parents' house on April 1, 1984, when Frankie's brother was shot and killed by their father after an argument.
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