Marvin Gaye Heard It Through The Grapevine

in 1968, this was Marvin Gaye’s first number one hit with Motown. He was known as the “Prince of Motown” and oftimes, the “Prince of Soul”. Gaye was the top-selling artist for Motown in the ‘sixties. “I heard it through the grapevine” was written by Norman Whitfield and Barrett Strong.

Sample “Heard It Through the Grapevine” on Motown 50 here:

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You Are Everything featuring Marvin Gaye and Diana Ross

Only released in the UK, “You are Everything” was a one-time collaboration between Marvin Gaye and Diana Ross. Although it had originally been recorded by the Stylistics, the duo’s version reached number 5 in 1974. It was written by Thom Bell and Linda Creed for Motown.

Sample “You Are Everything” on Motown 50 here:

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Let’s Get it On sung by Marvin Gaye

This was Marvin Gaye’s second number one single. “Let’s Get it On” was at the top of the US charts for 2 weeks in September 1973. It was the title track from an equally successful LP of the same name. Decidedly raunchy, it marked a new direction for Gaye who had previously written about war, the ghetto and the environment.

Marvin Gaye had 34 solo hits whilst at Motown and 15 more whilst part of various duo’s.

Sample “Let’s Get It On” on Motown 50 here:

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What’s Goin’ On sung by Marvin Gaye

Rolling Stone magazine ranked “What’s Goin’ On” as the fourth greatest song of all time in 2004. It was co-written by Marvin Gaye and was also the title track of his 1971 album. As a single, it reached number 1 in the US R&B charts. Curiously enough, Motown boss Berry Gordy tried to prevent the release of the single originally (deeming it uncommercial) but when Gaye threatened to stop recording altogether for Motown, he relented.

The single eventually sold some 2.5 million records for Motown, making it Marvin Gaye’s biggest popular hit since “I heard it through the Grapevine” in 1968.

Sample “What’s Goin On” on Motown 50 here:

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It Takes Two by Marvin Gaye and Kim Weston

Reaching a respectable number four in the US Soul Singles Chart in early 1967, “It Takes Two” was Marvin Gaye’s most successful duet single to date. It was also Kim Weston’s first major UK hit. The record was actually produced by Kim’s husband William Stevenson, who worked alongside Marvin Gaye on a number of other productions. However, following a dispute over royalties, both Kim and her husband left Motown later in 1967.

Sample “It Takes Two” on Motown 50 here:

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