The U.S. Postal Service (USPS) has launched a commemorative postal stamp for Marvin Gaye on Tuesday (April 2). The new stamp series, which is part of USPS’s Music Icon Collection, honors the R&B legend on what would have been his 80th birthday.
The stamp has been dubbed the Marvin Gaye “Prince of Soul” Forever Postage Stamp and features art by Kadir Nelson. It was designed by art director Derry Noyes.
“I love Marvin because he’s a genius,” said Carla M. Johnson, who established the nonprofit Unity in the Community and launching her Marvin Gaye USPS Stamp Initiative in 2014. “He deserves a stamp just like Ray Charles, Jimi Hendrix or Janis Joplin.”
Born on April 2, 1939, Marvin Gaye was a singer, songwriter and record producer, who helped shape the sound of Motown in the 1960s. Songs like “Let’s Get It On” and “Sexual Healing” have become staples in many black and brown communities. Gaye was fatally shot by his father, Marvin Gaye Sr. on April 1, 1984. He was posthumously inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame and Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1987.
Gaye joins a number of music icons featured in Postal Service’s Music Icons series, including John Lennon and Elvis Presley. Check your local USPS for more details.
Check out my new US Postage Stamp! Coming in 2019. Marvin Gaye.
With this new stamp in the Music Icons series, the U.S. Postal Service honors Marvin Gaye (1939–1984) — the “Prince of Soul” by @KadirNelson #marvingaye #kadirnelson #stamps #motown pic.twitter.com/PwXvqfDWeg— Kadir Nelson (@KadirNelson) November 20, 2018