Marvin Gaye and four of the most talented Motown Records musicians who lived wildly and died tragically

There is arguably no other outfit comparable to Motown Records in producing African-American celebrities.

The statement above is almost an axiom as it is backed by the fact for many decades after its founding in 1960 by Berry Gordy, Motown was the most profitable African-American business in the US.

Gordy masterminded the flight of many superstars. But as has been made abundantly clear in life, the wings to fly do not come with the permission to fly close to the sun.

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Some of the talented musicians Gordy brought to the fore made poor choices, led pretty wild lifestyles and self-inflicted various degrees of harm.

Here is a list of the five most talented artistes who died tragically.