GRAMMY WTF?  MARVIN GAYE. More: tomorrow.

The Grammy Awards are one of music’s most prestigious trophies. Since the inaugural ceremony in 1959, winners have spanned a vast array of musical styles and winners as diverse as Frank Sinatra, Aretha Franklin, Stevie Wonder, Eminem and Lizzo. There have, however, been some instances where one can’t comprehend the outcomes and omissions. Caffè Lattè looks back on some of the most baffling moments and unsuccessful -yet influential- acts…

GRAMMY WTF?

MARVIN GAYE

The Prince of Motown released a solid collection of R&B staples as a soloist and on duets with the likes of Kim Weston, Tammi Terrell and Diana Ross. Marvin Gaye is acknowledged as one of the most influential soul vocalists. 

“I Heard It Through The Grapevine”, “How Sweet It is (To Be Loved By You)”, “Can I Get A Witness”, “It Takes Two”, “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough”, “What’s Going On”, “Let’s Get It On” and “Got To Give It Up”- are just some of the gems released by Marvin Gaye.

Despite delivering such a rich canon, the singer / songwriter inexplicably had to wait until 1982 for his first ever Grammy win. His album 'What's Going On' was a pivotal shift; dealing with social issues on tracks that are still pertinent today: "Mercy Mercy Me (The Ecology)" and "Inner City Blues (Make Me Wanna Holler)".

Gaye finally triumphed with his timeless hit single “Sexual Healing”. That evening, he collected his only two career Grammy Awards, both in the R&B categories. Such an influential artist should have been honoured years before and deserved more trophies.