The United States Postal Service (USPS) is helping us wrap up Black History Month by honoring the "Prince of Motown."
According to the USPS website, stamps featuring legendary singer Marvin Gaye will be released on his birthday, April 2. The agency unveiled the prestigious honor last November as a part of its Music Icons series. On Wednesday, an image of Gaye was shared via the official Instagram page in front of Washington, D.C.’s Howard Theatre.
"Dear Music Fans, we’re honoring the life, legend and sound of Marvin Gaye (1939 – 1984) with the newest stamp in our Music Icons series. Pictured here in front of Washington D.C.’s @howardtheatre, where he graced the stage, our stamp features a portrait of Gaye inspired by historic photographs," the USPS captioned the post before highlighting some of his musical achievements.
The stamp is designed to resemble a vintage record sleeve with a portrait of Gaye produced by artist Kadir Nelson.
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Per NBC Local Los Angeles, his hit records like “How Sweet It Is,” “I Heard It Through the Grapevine” and “Ain't That Peculiar,” along with duet singles with singers Mary Wells and Tammi Terrell, earned him the title of both “The Prince of Motown” and “The Prince of Soul.”
"Released in 1971, his expansive masterwork, “What’s Going On,” is widely considered one of the greatest recordings in the history of American popular music," the U.S. Postal Service captioned its post.
The Grammy winner who won two awards for classic record “Sexual Healing” was killed by his father on April 1, 1984, just a day before his 45th birthday. Gaye was elected into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 1987 and honored with a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 1996.
As Blavity previously reported, the late Gregory Hines also has his stamp in a commemoration which kicked off USPS' Music Icons and Black Heritage Stamp series in January.
"Gaye’s presence and unique sound will live on forever through his music and now through the mail. Send some soul by including the Marvin Gaye stamp on your envelopes, available for pre-order soon," USPS' statement concluded.
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