June Rochelle Cast in Gaye Play

Posted by Kevan Breitinger Sep 25, 2006

Rochelle will co-star in the acclaimed national touring production of "The Life Story of Marvin Gaye." Currently scheduled to make stops in 20 cities throughout Alabama, Mississippi, Georgia, Michigan, Louisiana, Washington, Florida and West Virginia, the play is already garnering great reviews from such media outlets as the Montgomery Advisor, which raves, "This play will touch your heart with its beauty and sadness and also keep you on the edge of your seat with its riveting drama."

June Rochelle boldly takes on the role of Marvin Gaye's first wife, Anna Gordy Gaye, portraying their tumultuous relationship. Married in 1964, Anna met Marvin Gaye when she was thirty-eight, seventeen years older than the young Gaye. She quickly became an important influence in Gaye's life and is credited for co-writing hits for him such as "God Is Love" and "Flying High in the Friendly Sky" from his gold-selling album, "What's Going On," and "Just to Keep You Satisfied" off of "Let's Get It On." The couple's marriage ended in divorce over a decade later when Gaye was introduced to singer Janis Hunter, ironically 17 years younger. Anna and Gaye had one adopted child, Marvin Pentz Gaye III. During the part of the play where Gaye leaves Anna for Hunter, June performs "For All the Love," the hit single from her debut album, "Changing Places." (See Suite review here). She later performs her tribute to Marvin Gaye, "What's Going On," also featured on "Changing Places."