Janis Hunter Gaye dead: Marvin Gaye’s wife dies aged 66 as family mourn ‘Taken too early’

express.co.uk:

Marvin Gaye’s former wife, Janis Hunter Gaye, inspired several of his songs and was married to the singer for four years. Her family have confirmed she died aged 66 on Saturday at her home in Rhode Island.

While a cause of death has not yet been announced, her daughter Nona Gaye issued a heartfelt statement.“From the time she met my father, she was exposed to the way he saw this world was aching, and she did her best to preserve his legacy as he was taken from us far too early,” she said. “She took every moment to speak about every word and every note of his music, and she wanted to make sure everyone knew the man she fell in love with. “I will never get to see her again in this life but know she’s in heaven with my father and a spokesperson for us in spirit.”Janis served as inspiration for tracks on Marvin’s 1976 album I Want You, which has been described as “a romantic and erotic tribute” to her.Marvin also wrote the song Jan for his future wife, which he recorded as part of his 1974 album Marvin Gaye Live!.His chart-topping disco single Got to Give It Up, which reached No.1 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1977, featured Janis on background vocals.

Janis also managed the career of their daughter, 48-year-old actress and singer Nona. The late mother-of-two first met Marvin as a 17-year-old when she was introduced to the singer by producer Ed Townsend during a 1973 recording session at Hitsville West in Los Angeles.The star, then aged 34, was recording his album Let’s Get It On, which was released that year.

Janis family told the Hollywood Reporter how she had put together Marvin’s iconic outfit from his memorable 1974 concert performance at the Oakland Coliseum.This colourful ensemble included a red watch cap, beaded denim.