1984 Soul Hit, Inspired by Marvin Gaye’s Death, Is Still a Powerful Ballad 42 Years Later

In 1984, Diana Ross released “Missing You,” an emotional ballad written by her friend and fellow Motown star Lionel Richie. The song appeared on Ross’ album Swept Away and was inspired by the death of Marvin Gaye. 

Gaye was shot and killed by his father on April 1, 1984. His death deeply affected Ross, who had been close friends and musical collaborators with him. 

Ross later explained that she and Smokey Robinson had talked about how much they missed Gaye and what he meant to them and to music. 

“[The song] actually came out of a conversation that Smokey Robinson and I had one evening about how we were missing Marvin and what he meant to us, as well as to music,” Ross recalled. “Then Lionel and I got to talking about how we need to tell people that we love them while they’re still alive. Lionel used all this to write that beautiful and special song.”

Ross and Gaye had known each other for more than a decade. In 1973, they teamed up for Diana & Marvin, a duet album that produced the hit singles “You’re a Special Part of Me,” “My Mistake (Was to Love You)” and “Don’t Knock My Love.”

Given their history, “Missing You” was more than a tribute to another artist. Ross was mourning a fellow performer who had been an important part of her musical journey.

“Missing You” became a major success for Ross. It topped Billboard’s Hot Black Singles chart for three weeks, reached the Top 5 on the Adult Contemporary chart and made the Top 10 on the Billboard Hot 100. 

It also marked the final No. 1 single of Ross’ career. Ross had one more Top 10 hit after “Missing You,” with “Eaten Alive” reaching the chart in 1985. 

The song’s run at No. 1 could have lasted even longer, but The Commodores’ “Nightshift” eventually took the top spot. That song was also inspired by Gaye, as well as singer Jackie Wilson, who died in 1984.

Gaye and Ross were connected in another way when VH1 launched on January 1, 1985. Gaye’s performance of “The Star-Spangled Banner” was the first music video played on the new network, followed by Ross’ “Missing You.”

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