Volume One 1961-1965

Marvin Gaye was the unequaled 'Prince Of Motown.' Today he remains as influential and exciting as ever; Rolling Stone named him one of the greatest singers of all time. Signed to the Tamla label in 1961, Marvin was first a 22-year-old crooner; with the encouragement of Motown founder Berry Gordy he emerged a bona fide hit maker with 'Stubborn Kind of Fellow' a year later. His earliest albums, originally released 1961-1965, span genres and styles, from a Nat 'King' Cole tribute to the classic singles 'Hitch Hike,' 'Pride And Joy' and 'How Sweet It Is (To Be Loved By You).'

This special box set collects seven original albums on individual CDs, replicating the original LP jackets in mini-sleeves, housed in a unique illustrated slipcase. It's the first of three planned sets that will encompass the breadth of Gaye's career:

- Marvin's rare debut album, The Soulful Moods of Marvin Gaye
- His pop breakthrough That Stubborn Kinda Fellow
- The moody and highly collectable When I'm Alone I Cry
- The covers albums Hello Broadway and A Tribute to the Great Nat 'King' Cole
- Together, a duets LP with label mate Mary Wells, which features the double-sided top 20 hit 'Once Upon a Time'/'What's The Matter With You Baby'
- 'How Sweet It Is to Be Loved By You,' highlighted by the title track and other Motown favorites.

Inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1987, Gaye was cited for his 'huge contribution to soul music in general and the Motown Sound in particular...[his] classic R&B voice was edged with grit yet tempered with sweetness...[projecting] an air of soulful authority driven by fervid conviction and heartbroken vulnerability.'