The late Motown singer was honored in the event ceremonially renaming a stretch of Outer Drive, becoming the latest Detroit music star with a street.
On a gray and rainy day that added a fitting, cinematic touch to a celebratory occasion, Marvin Gaye got his own stretch of street in Detroit. Marvin Gaye Drive was unveiled Saturday at the corner of Outer Drive at Monica Street by a group of Detroit and Michigan dignitaries, along with members of the late Motown star’s family. A couple of hundred onlookers gathered for the dedication at the corner, where Gaye’s onetime home sat as a backdrop. The backyard of the property, which had been given to Gaye and his wife, Anna Gordy, by Berry Gordy Jr., was the scene of the photo shoot 50 years ago that produced the iconic portrait for Gaye’s “What’s Going On” album cover. The ceremonial naming was spearheaded by Detroit City Councilman Roy McAlister and approved earlier this year by the council. It’s the latest area road to get a musical designation, following street dedications for Aretha Franklin, Stevie Wonder, Glenn Frey, David Ruffin and others. Gaye’s groundbreaking “What’s Going On” was the dominant theme at the Juneteenth event, which included speeches by McAlister, Mayor Mike Duggan, U.S. Rep.
