Marvin Gaye is clearly one of the most celebrated voices in pop music history. The late Motown legend found immense success with both songs pleading for a need for social change as well as those that longed for a good party.

Despite his acclaim and success, he was deeply troubled, facing bouts with depression and drugs. He was fatally shot by his father on April 1, 1984, one day before is 45th birthday.

Eddie Murphy's Oscar-nominated character James "Thunder" Early from the Dreamgirls movie is rumored to be loosely based on Gaye and other soul icons. (Read Gaye's biography.)

Below, pop stars Janet Jackson and Mario share how Gaye's "What's Going On?" inspired them.

"Although it was written so long ago its still genius, thought provoking for me and still applies to today... its timeless! What a great song."

-- Janet Jackson

"This is a song that to me always stays relevant. With all the controversy in the world, Marvin's words will always mean a lot."

-- Mario

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