A collection of cassette tapes containing unreleased Marvin Gaye songs have been found in the Belgian city Ostend. The recordings have been unheard for 40 years and could be released to the public pending on ownership rights being established due to unique intellectual property laws in Belgium.
The collection is thought to contain 66 demo songs and is believed to have belonged to the musician Charles Dumonlin, who passed away in 2019. Gaye stayed in Dumonlin’s house in 1981 while he fought a cocaine addiction and when Dumonlin passed, the demo tapes were passed down to his family alongside other memorabilia. Discussions have now begun over who is the rightful owner of these recordings. Belgian law says that after 30 years, material becomes the property of the person who holds it, regardless of how it was acquired. However, this does not apply to intellectual property. This means that Dumonlin’s family may be legally entitled to have the recordings, but not have the right to publish these songs. The right to publish the music could belong to Gaye’s heirs instead, however they currently do not have access to the physical tapes unless a deal is made.
Alex Trappeniers, a business partner of the Dumolin family, said: “[The tapes] belong to [the family] because they were left in Belgium 42 years ago. Marvin gave it to them and said, ‘Do whatever you want with it’ and he never came back. That’s important.”
Trappeniers has expressed his willingness for some sort of compromise where both parties are able to publish and monetise the recordings, saying “I think we both benefit, the family of Marvin and the collection in the hands of [Dumolin’s heirs]. If we put our hands together and find the right people in the world, the Mark Ronsons or the Bruno Mars…. I’m not here to make suggestions but to say OK, let’s listen to this and let’s make the next album.”
There is one particular song that has gauged excitement that was recorded shortly before Gaye wrote one of his most famous songs, Sexual Healing. It is unknown what the value is for the unheard recordings but Gaye’s music is still streamed and downloaded around 20 million times a month. Other memorabilia found alongside the recordings include: lyrics for songs, private diaries, outfits from tours and letters to his record company.
The family of Gaye have yet to comment on this but have acknowledged that they are aware of the recordings.
This unique situation has highlighted how the law can often be complicated, with multiple layers included in the ownership of these newfound recordings. It is unclear whether this case will be taken to court or if the two parties can agree for a deal to release the music, but fans will be eagerly following the situation and waiting for new Marvin Gaye music.
