Marvin Gaye Drive Unveiled in Detroit
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The Motown Icon Now Has A Street Named In His Honor
On June 19, 2021, the Senate unanimously passed a bill to make Juneteenth an official federal holiday going forward. But that was not the only memorable event to take place on that day. Members of Gaye’s family joined a group of Detroit dignitaries to unveil the new Marvin Gaye Drive located at the corner of Outer Drive at Monica Street in Detroit, Michigan.
A few hundred people gathered out in the rain for the dedication at the corner near Gaye’s home that he shared with his then wife, Anna Gordy —sister of Motown founder and executive, Berry Gordy, Jr. The corner served as the very scene of the photoshoot for Gaye’s What’s Going On album cover 50 years ago!
Detroit City Councilman Roy McAlister first brought the naming of the street to the Council, and it was approved earlier this year. Among the other Motown artists to have streets named for them are David Ruffin, Aretha Franklin and Stevie Wonder.
“I’m elated and touched by the love shown to my brother Marvin!” – Zeola Gaye, on the naming of Marvin Gaye Drive in Detroit, MI
Gaye’s younger brother Antwaun Gay, graciously addressed the crowd stating, “To be here on this day is just a beautiful thing. [After hearing What’s Going On for the first time as a child] I remember it moved me to tears; I could not understand what was happening to me. I don’t know if I even realized that it was Marvin.”
Among those to deliver speeches were Councilman McAlister, Mayor Mike Duggan, U.S. Rep. Brenda Lawrence, Motown Museum head Robin Terry and former Motown executive, Miller London.
Duggan recounted traveling this stretch of Outer Drive frequently in his teens while attending nearby Catholic Central High School. He shared that he did not even realize that the ranch house on the corner was that of Marvin Gaye.
What’s Going On is as relevant today as it was when Marvin Gaye recorded it in the Motor City’s studio of Motown Records 50 years ago. ▪