Divided Soul

The Life of Marvin Gaye

By: David Ritz

Narrated by: Dion Graham

In this intimate biography of the Prince of Soul, David Ritz provides a candid look at a star and a friend. Ritz had been collaborating with Marvin Gaye on his story for several years before the singer's tragic death and had conducted a series of extraordinary interviews in which Gaye discussed his deepest secrets. What emerges is a full-scale portrait of a charming but tortured artist, a brilliant singer with a divided soul.

Here is Marvin's story, from his early years in the slums of Washington, D.C. to his rise to the top of the Motown industry, his fall from grace, his comeback, and finally his sudden, shocking end at the hands of his own father. It is also the story of his glorious music and the music of Black America over the past 50 years, an epic tale whose cast of characters includes Diana Ross, Berry Gordie, Smokey Robinson, and Stevie Wonder.

©1991 David Ritz (P)1995 Blackstone Audio, Inc.

Critic reviews

"[David Ritz] tells Marvin Gaye's sorrowful story with remarkable insight and sensitivity....Divided Soul is often startlingly candid, but it manages to avoid lurid sensationalism, no mean feat given the particulars of the story: sex, drugs, child abuse, show business scandal." ( The Nation)

missing music

A good listen but some interdisperssed music would have made it a better listen.

Great Insight Into A Brilliant But Troubled Artist

I enjoyed the book and was somewhat shocked about Mr. Gaye's lifelong struggles with relationships, self-esteem, finances and the overall business of music. His father was portrayed as a vile, hateful and lazy man who felt entitled to be supported by his wife (a maid) and his famous son while treating them both badly and acting as a tyrannical dictator. Having been basically terrorized by his father (while his mother sat weakly on the sidelines) his confidence and self worth were destroyed early in life. It's no surprise he was heavily emotionally damaged and spiraled down a self-destructive path. It's just too bad he couldn't or wouldn't get help.

Marvin Gaye

This was such a sad audible on this great legend. I never realize he was as going through all this pain his entire life. If only he was able to get the help sooner then we could of been listening to such great music from him. I am disappointed in Berry Gordy. Such great legends. A before his time.

This was great legend! Love his music.

Troubled Soul

What a tramatic story of life! MG was an extremely talented, his life, through music no doubt touched so many lives.

Marvin was a real dude!! A tug of war of a man. G

We all can learn from his life. I'm such a fan. Musical Genius, Yes

Long Live The Legacy of Marvin Gaye

From start to finish this was an excellent book. It humanized Marvin, and gave us a deeper look into his successes and failures. His wins and losses. After listening to the book, I have a higher understanding, as well as appreciation, for the life and legacy of Marvin Gaye. Mental health is very important. Please protect your mental health. Love yourself as best as you can. And continue to fight the good fight! May Marvin Gaye’s spirit rest in peace.

A Sad Truth

I love reading biographies of people who I admire for their talent or service to others.
The author took me on a Rollercoaster of emotions.

Exquisite Details

The author did a great job in taking the reader into the singer’s life, up close and personal. This was enhanced by the narrator, who was on point throughout the entire audiobook.

In regards to the actual content, I had a very primitive idea about Marvin’s life and his struggles. While listening to this audiobook I literally felt like I was going through time with him.

Marvin Gaye voice reading

This book was good but the narrator who read for Marvin was disturbing. Marvin Haye spoke very elegantly listening to this book the narrator who is speaking as Marvin makes him sound like a runaway slave and sometimes a laid back pimp from on of them movies in the 70s.

Wow I never knew

Very interesting and this book answers many questions. The book/listen sheds light on the complicated life of Marvin Gaye. His triumphs and epic failures absolutely love the story. May his trouble Soul Rest In Peace