Page "Marvin Gaye" Paragraph 46

Growing up, as a child, Gaye's main influence was that of his minister father, something he would later acknowledge to biographer David Ritz and also in interviews he gave, often mentioning that his father's sermons left a big impression on him.

His first major musical influences came in the form of doo-wop groups such as The Moonglows and The Capris.

Gaye's Rock & Roll Hall of Fame page lists the Capris ' song, " God Only Knows " as " critical to his musical awakening ".

Of the Capris ' song, Gaye said " It fell from the heavens and hit me between the eyes.

So much soul, so much hurt.

I related to the story, to the way that no one except the Lord really can read the heart of lonely kids in love.

" Gaye's main musical influences were Rudy West of The Five Keys, Clyde McPhatter, Ray Charles and Little Willie John.

Gaye considered Frank Sinatra to be a real major influence in what he wanted to be.

He also was influenced by the vocal styles of Billy Eckstine and Nat King Cole.