Whether at the Hollywood Palace or on Soul Train Marvin Gaye's sound was unique. But, in 1984, Gaye was killed by his father Marvin Gay, Sr.Notice that the singer added an "e" to his last name. Marvin Gaye who had incredible success with music had a dark side. Marvin Gay Sr. was charged with murder rather than manslaughter because the District Attorney is convinced he had time to reflect on what he was going to do before he shot to death his son Marvin Gaye Jr. Stevenson, who wrote and produced some of Gaye's music, says it was too hard.