The United States Postal Service (USPS) has honored figures in history once again with the announcement of forever stamps of the late Marvin Gaye and Gregory Hines.
Images of the icons, including one celebrating Kwanzaa, will be released as commemorative stamps in 2019. Portraits of Gaye and Hines will be added to the list of other icons immortalized like entertainer Lena Horne, civil rights icons Rosa Parks and Barbra Jordan as well as poet Maya Angelou.
“The miniature works of art illustrated in the 2019 stamp program offer something for everyone’s interest about American history and culture,” said U.S. Postal Service Stamp Services Executive Director Mary-Anne Penner told the Minnesota-Spokesman-Recorder. “From legendary poet Walt Whitman to the entertainment genius of Gregory Hines to the majestic beauty of our Wild and Scenic Rivers, this program is diverse and wide-ranging and tells America’s story on stamps.”
Gaye made history with his music, crafting timeless records like “What’s Going On,” “Sexual Healing,” “How Sweet It Is (To Be Loved By You)” and many more, shaping soul music in the 60s and beyond. Hines was an award-winning dancer, actor, and choreographer, known for his work at the Apollo Theater and the films Tap, Waiting to Exhale and White Knights.
Art director Derry Noyes designed the stamps, using a 1988 photo of Hines by Jack Mitchell. Renowned artist Kadir Nelson created the portrait of Gaye.
Check out the beautiful stamps below.
READ MORE: The Legendary Lena Horne Honored With A New Postage Stamp