After the Dance: My Life with Marvin Gaye

Jan Gaye · David Ritz

May 2015 · Sold by Harper Collins

About this ebook

A riveting cautionary tale about the ecstasy and dangers of loving Marvin Gaye, a performer passionately pursued by all—and a searing memoir of drugs, sex, and old school R&B from the wife of legendary soul icon Marvin Gaye.

After her seventeenth birthday in 1973, Janis Hunter met Marvin Gaye—the soulful prince of Motown with the seductive liquid voice whose chart-topping, socially conscious album What’s Going On made him a superstar two years earlier. Despite a seventeen-year-age difference and Marvin’s marriage to the sister of Berry Gordy, Motown’s founder, the enchanted teenager and the emotionally volatile singer began a scorching relationship.

One moment Jan was a high school student; the next she was accompanying Marvin to parties, navigating the intriguing world of 1970s-‘80s celebrity; hanging with Don Cornelius on the set of Soul Train, and helping to discover new talent like Frankie Beverly. But the burdens of fame, the chaos of dysfunctional families, and the irresistible temptations of drugs complicated their love.

Primarily silent since Marvin’s tragic death in 1984, Jan at last opens up, sharing the moving, fervently charged story of one of music history’s most fabled marriages. Unsparing in its honesty and insight, illustrated with sixteen pages of black-and-white photos, After the Dance reveals what it’s like to be in love with a creative genius who transformed popular culture and whose artistry continues to be celebrated today.

Ratings and reviews

This book totally confused me as I recently shared it with a friend of mine, who happens to agree. Most of the stuff in here is inconsistent with what Marvin spoke of in the telling of his life story with David Ritz in "Divided Soul".

I enjoyed this book wholeheartedly! Reading Divided Soul (which is also a must-grab for any MG fans) I've always grown curious to hear her story dealing with Marvin from their marriage, kids,etc. Although she's no longer with us, this book gives in-depth insight to not just Marvin, but the highs and lows she endured as well. May they both rest peacefully 🕊️

I read an excerpt where Marvin encouraged Janis to have orgy. Marvin tested Janis to see how far she can go. Lesson , don't ever compromise your morals even for your lover.

About the author

Jan Gaye is the second wife of the legendary recording artist Marvin Gaye and the mother of his children, Nona and Frankie Gaye. Born in Los Angeles, she currently resides in Rhode Island.

David Ritz is the author of the acclaimed novels The Man Who Brought the Dodgers Back to Brooklyn and Blue Notes Under a Green Felt Hat. He is the only four-time winner of the Gleason Book of the Year Award. He's also cowritten the memoirs of many celebrities.