

Art + Culture
Pieces from Marvin Gaye’s Closet on Display at the Motown Museum
April 1, 2019 · Updated May 21, 2019·By BLAC Editorial
As part of its 60th anniversary celebration, the museum has unveiled a knit cap, and military jacket and pants worn by the legendary Marvin Gaye.
April 1, 2019 · Updated May 21, 2019
Unveiled in a video posted to Motown Museum‘s Facebook page on Friday, archivist David Ellis introduced a knit cap belonging to Marvin Gaye – a striped version of what he was known for rocking in the early ’70s – and a military-inspired jacket and pants that the late singer wore during his Sexual Healing Tour in ’83, the year he won his first Grammy.
This is the second installment of Motown‘s “Archive Dives” series; the museum will continue to unearth and display relevant artifacts throughout the year, as a part of its 60th anniversary celebration. The display is also a nod to the U.S. Postal Service’s new Marvin Gaye commemorative stamp, issuing April 2, what would’ve been Gaye’s 80th birthday.
“Marvin Gaye played an integral role in shaping the Motown Sound, but aside from his legendary musical contributions, he was also known for his iconic style,” says Motown Museum chairwoman and CEO Robin Terry. “His look still influences culture and fashion today as Motown’s influence has transcended generations.”
The pieces are currently on display through the end of April.
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