Designed specifically to mimic a vintage vinyl cover art, the long overdue stamp of the Prince of Soul will debut on April 2 celebrating 80 years of a short life well lived.
The stamp was designed by Art director Derry Noyes who designed the stamp pane with original art by renowned and celebrated illustrator Kadir Nelson who is known for focusing his works on African Americans and has his paintings on albums of popular musicians such as Micheal Jackson and Drake.
The stamp will also feature a brief biography and an image of a record peeking out of the sleeve and will join the stamps of Elvis Presley, John Lennon and Sarah Vaughan as part of the US Postal Service’s stamp program to celebrate events and cultural milestones unique to the history of the United States since 1847. Another portrait of Gaye, also inspired by historic photographs, appears on the reverse along with the music icons series logo.
Plans for the stamp were announced on November 20, 2018, as part of the US Postal service’s plans for 2019 Forever Stamp Lineup that features Arts, Entertainment, History and Culture featuring Marvin Gaye in the music icon series.
An article on the US Postal Service website described Marvin Gaye as one of the most influential music performers of his generation.
Born on April 2, 1939, Marvin Gaye was the son of a Church Minister and domestic worker and was the second of four children. The Prince of Soul grew up singing in the church with his father but would later be kicked out of the home when he started singing secular music.
He would later become one of Motown’s biggest acts making close to 600 dollars a night and beconing a global sensation
Marvin died on April 1, 1984, half-an-hour after his father shot him in their home.
