Marvin Gaye – ‘I Heard It Through The Grapevine’

‘I Heard It Through the Grapevine’ was written by songwriters Norman Whitfield and Barrett Strong in 1966. It was recorded by several artists signed to Berry Gordy’s Motown label.

The first version of the song was recorded by The Miracles. Gordy initially rejected it for release, but in 1968 it was included on their album Special Occasion. It was next recorded by Smokey Robinson but was again rejected by Gordy. In 1967 Marvin Gaye recorded a third version, but this was once again rejected. An alternative, up-tempo version of the song was then recorded for Gladys Knight and The Pips in 1967. This version was conceived as a reaction to 'Respect', a song which had been a huge hit for Aretha Franklin.

Marvin Gaye’s version of the song was included on his 1968 album In the Groove. It proved so popular with the public that it was eventually released as a single. It was a number one hit, spending seven weeks at the top of the US chart, and going on to become the biggest selling record that Motown had up to that point.

This song is in the key of Eb minor and features a challenging bassline that contains almost no repetition at all. All of the key characteristics of James Jamerson’s playing are evident here: chord tone-based lines, enclosures, chromatic approach notes, syncopation and more.

To download the transcription (with TAB and without), please visit the Free Stuff page.