Urban singer/songwriter June Rochelle has been chosen to bring to life the role of Anna Gordy Gaye, sister to legendary Motown founder Berry Gordy and Grammy and American Music Award winner Marvin Gaye’s first wife, 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." For ticket information, please visit www.ticketmaster.com.
Dubbed "The Melodic Queen of Soul and Inspiration" by her fans, June 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. She later performs her tribute to Marvin Gaye, "What’s Going On," also featured on Changing Places.
Recently honored with the "Female Vocalist of the Year" award during the En Sound Music Awards ceremony, June continues to build momentum in the gospel arena with her soulful voice and message. Her single, "For All the Love" spent several weeks in the number one position on both the En Sound Top 20 and Gospel Showcase Radio Network’s Top 10 Playlist charts. "Access Hollywood" has featured Changing Places as the CD pick of the week, and June’s work continues to receive impressive reviews from consumers and industry insiders alike.
In addition to her accomplishments in the recording studio, June Rochelle opened for Yolanda Adams on the "Today" tour and has performed before Chicago Mayor Richard Daley and other luminaries. The Indianapolis native has stood before tens of thousands of people to share the stage and sing alongside legendary performers Celine Dion and Diana Ross. June has even hosted her own Indianapolis market TV talk show, "Joy in Our Town" on WLCJ-TBN – spotlighting topics like kids with disabilities, elder abuse and other topics of interest to local viewers. But her most profound performances have been in the humble service of people in need, in church pews or behind prison walls, encouraging soul-battered people to continue to strive forward. "My purpose on this road will always be to help ordinary people make it through another day," says June.
June Rochelle’s Changing Places is available on Vision Entertainment Media Group and is distributed through Pyramid/Fontana, a division of Universal Music Group. Vision Entertainment Media Group brings an array of gospel music to the world, offering a unique appeal and musical dimension to reach beyond the walls of the church and into the world with an inspired word, while maintaining the integrity and victory of the Gospel. For more information about Vision Entertainment Media Group and June Rochelle, visit www.vemgoline.com and www.junerochelle.com.
