Debuting on Motown in 1961, Marvin Gaye quickly became the label's most charismatic voice, combining the intensity of gospel, the charm of doo-wop, and the intimacy of a great balladeer. Gaye released dozens of classic soul hits throughout the '60s, but he also grew restless with the Motown formula. In the '70s, he moved in a more socially conscious and introspective direction. He also wrote some of the most sensual love songs of the era, adding a new smoothness to the hard-driving rhythms of funk. Gaye died tragically in 1984 at the age of 44, but he left behind a remarkable and soulful legacy.