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Publisher's Summary

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 fifty 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)

What members say

Average Customer Ratings

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Audible.com Reviews
Amazon Reviews
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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    3 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Wow made for the big screen

I learned so much about Marvin Gaye and the music that I do love. I am so surprised they haven't turns this into a movie for the big screens. it certainly has all the drama love sex and drugs that will fill the seats.

I didn't love the narrator. In fact I purchased this AB once before and returned it only to repurchase some months later because my sister said I would love it. She was right. After a chapter or so in I was so into the story that the narrator voice didn't irk me so.

I highly recommend this book.

5 of 5 people found this review helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars

Nice

I really enjoyed this book. It was sad and joyful all at the same time. I enjoyed the way the story was told and learned so many things about Marvin that I never knew. It is an awesome biography.

4 of 4 people found this review helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

one of the great musical biographies of it's time!

loved this book! Divided Soul is probably one of the great biographies of its time!

2 of 2 people found this review helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Excellent Audio Book

Marvin Gaye was such a talented artist. This books gives you an inside look on his struggles and demons. Never judge a book by it's cover. He was not a happy man even with all of the glitz and glam.

2 of 2 people found this review helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Incredible

This audio book is one of the best I've heard. The narration was excellent, the history of Marvin's childhood was insightful & the psychology of what happens to beautiful, gifted children when they have deep-seeded shame is accurate. Marvin's difficult life living in his own skin made me feel such sadness for him & all those who are hurt by shame.

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Musical Genius

This is a awesome read from beginning to end. It lays out Marvin's life story in an elegant fashion. He was one if the greatest despite his demons.

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Respectful Perspective!

I enjoyed the book. Poor Marvin! He lacked the proper upbringing which, is necessary for ALL children. May God bless his children!

1 of 2 people found this review helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

good books about Marvin Gaye really enjoy.

I love the book and I was very interesting about Marvin Gaye's life anyway , he was a great performer and I miss him a whole lot music never been the same without him god bless and good bye for now, Mel.

1 of 2 people found this review helpful

  • Overall
    1 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    1 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    1 out of 5 stars

Not a good listen

I could not listen after 5 minutes. It was boring and I am returning it.

1 of 3 people found this review helpful

  • Overall
    3 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    1 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    2 out of 5 stars
  • Judy
  • Fayetteville, NC, United States
  • 11-24-11

Divided Soul: The Life of Marvin Gaye

I am sure there is more to Marvin Gaye than what was read. The narrator reminded me of the seventies exploitation. Each time he spoke in Marvin Gaye's voice, he made it sound like from back in the day (seventies exploitation). David Ritz' book portrayed Marvin Gaye as a mentally/sexually dysfunctional/perverted and unstable artist.

0 of 4 people found this review helpful