Janis Hunter the renowned director, stylist, and novelist sadly passed away on 3rd December 2022. Hunter was Marvin Gaye’s second wife, she was 66 years old at the time of her death. Janis Hunter Gaye was the inspiration for many of Motown great Marvin Gaye’s songs such as ‘Jan’, ‘My Love is Waiting’ and ‘Flower of the Ghetto’, she sadly passed away at her Rhode Island home on Saturday as announced by her family.
Keep reading the article to know more about Janis Hunter’s life, career, and cause of death.
Who was Janis Hunter Gaye?
Janis Gaye was born in Los Angeles and is the second wife of the celebrated music artist, Marvin Gaye. She and Marvin were blessed with two children; daughter Nona and son Frankie Gaye. Janis was a stylist, director, and novelist, she was the daughter of the daughter of singer-musician Slim Gaillard, known for his hits “Flat Foot Floogie (With a Floy Floy).”
The story of her meeting with Motown legend Marvin Gaye began during a 1973 recording session for his album “Let’s Get It On”. This is where producer Ed Townsend introduced them when she was just 17 and he 34. From then on, Gaye composed the song “Jan” to celebrate her future and it was featured in “Marvin Gaye Live!” and “I Want You”, both released in 1974 and 1976 respectively. Moreover, his 1977 disco single “Got To Give It Up” also reached No.1 on the Billboard Hot chart in tribute to his beloved wife.
#JanGaye the wife of the iconic Marvin Gaye is here talking about here new book After the Dance do u have questions? pic.twitter.com/YIiSUzO5Jn
— Mr Radio aka LG (@LennyGreen) May 20, 2015
How did Janis Hunter Gaye Die? The cause of death explained
Janis Hunter Gaye passed away last Saturday at the age of 66 years. Her family members, Shawnn Monteiro (sister) and Mark Gaillard (brother) as well as her children Nona and Frankie, are mourning this huge loss. She also leaves behind a grandson Nolan Pentz, the exact cause of Janis’ death is yet undisclosed by her family members.
Tributes to Janis on social media
Social media is flooded with tributes to Janis’s sad demise, her family, friend, and fans have been mourning the loss.
Ed Gordon shared a post on Facebook with a throwback picture, saying “I interviewed Jan a number of times over the years, she was smart and always engaging. She passed away on Saturday at the age of 66. RIP”
Mark McPhee, Janis’s FB friend shared a post saying “Her death comes a big shock”
Also read : How Did Mills Lane Long-time Boxing Referee Die?
We are saddened to share the information about Janis Hunter Gaye’s death through this article. She will be dearly missed by her family, friends, and fans. We extend our deepest sympathies to her family during this difficult time. Please leave your thoughts and prayers in the comments below.