Recorded - February 3, 8, 13 and 15 & April 10, 1967
Released - August 26, 1968
Re-released as a single - October 30, 1968
#1 for weeks of December 14, 21 and 28, 1968 & January 4, 11, 18 and 25, 1969.
I hold the final #1 of 1968 in a particular high regard. It just so happens to be the very first Motown song I ever heard. This is because I grew up with the soundtrack to The Big Chill. As a kid, hearing this minor keyed song, with such a haunting production gave me the chills. It still does in fact. "I Heard It Through The Grapevine" ended up being Motown's biggest chart success until 1970. The ironic part is that this version of the song was a rejected recording, that went unreleased for a year and a half.
"I Heard It Through The Grapevine" was originally written by Norman Whitfield (Who wrote much of The Temptations' hits) and Barrett Strong (Who sang lead vocals on the first Motown single, "Money"). "Grapevine" was first recorded in 1966 by Smokey Robinson & The Miracles. This version was rejected by Barry Gordy and went unreleased until 1968. Marvin Gaye then tried recording a version in 1967 which was also rejected by Gordy. It wasn't until June of '67 that Gladys Knight & The Pips recorded a version to Gordy's satisfaction. It was a relative smash, reaching #2 on the pop charts. But this is not the version that most are familiar with today.
Marvin Gaye's then-unreleased version of "Grapevine" was finally issued on his 1968 album In The Groove. Just showing how even Barry Gordy could be wrong, the song became a smash hit when it was released as a standalone single a few months later. Marvin Gaye was already one of the major kings of the record label. With a near endless amount of classics under his belt such as: "How Sweet It Is (To Be Loved By You", "I'll Be Doggone" and "Ain't No Mountain High Enough", he was already guaranteed to go down in history. Then "Grapevine" came along and catapulted him skyward to success.
From the very first tambourine hit followed by an ominous organ line, the listener is hooked. When this is followed by a smooth guitar and a haunting string section, it becomes a crime to stop listening. The music is never overpowering, rather it remains very subdued. Put way up front in the mix is Marvin Gaye and man does he deliver. This is not only Marvin's finest vocal performance yet, but one of his finest he has ever given!
Another aspect of the song that has always appealed to me is the backing vocals. Provided by The Andantes, these vocals have a very haunting quality to them, especially the delightfully spectral "Not much longer would you be my baby" sections. If "Grapevine" is your first exposure to Motown music, you'll be hooked for life, just like me.
It still boggles my mind that this song was initially rejected. The funny thing is, this wouldn't be the last time that Barry Gordy would reject a "Different sounding" song by Marvin Gaye. This would-be rejected song, 1971 #2 smash hit "What's Going On", ended up being not only Marvin's finest work in my opinion, but one of the greatest songs of all time. Luckily, there are a few more #1's in his career history so we'll be returning to Marvin's musical legacy down the road.
Final Verdict - It goes without saying that "I Heard It Through The Grapevine" is a classic. It's aged remarkably well over the years, has an amazingly stunning music and vocal performance, and is sung by one of the finest singers who ever lived. A fully-deserved #1 hit, and a fantastic way to close out 1968.
Coming Up Next - 1968 Reflection.
Until Next Time, I'm Dr. Rock and "I'll be doggone" if my "Pride and joy" isn't music -
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