S.O.D. "I Heard It Through the Grapevine" by Marvin Gaye
3/8/2015 Many artists recorded this song although Marvin Gaye's version was the most successful, ending up at a permanent #65 on Billboard Magazine's 2008 Hot 100 list. The soothing audio works was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame for historical, artistic and significant value and in 1969, and for a time after, became the biggest hit single ever on the Motown label.
Written by Norman Whitfield, an American songwriter and producer and Barrett Strong, an American singer and songwriter who wrote many of the lyrics for the songs recorded by the Temptations. The song was recorded first by Smokey Robinson and the Miracles in 1966 but rejected by Motown owner Berry Gordy. Gladys Knight and the Pips recorded a version in 1967 which was accepted by Gordy and released as a single. This occurred after the initial rejection of Marvin Gaye's version. Instead, Gaye put the song on his album "In The Groove" which caught the attention of disc jockeys and started climbing the charts. It was then that Gordy agreed to release it as a single. It ended up staying at #1 for 7 straight weeks from December 1968 to January 1969. Gladys Knight's version made it to #2.
Used many times in social media, perhaps the most popular is in the 1983 movie "The Big Chill" where the main characters hear of their friend's death "through the grapevine" and travel to his funeral. Marvin left us in 1984 but accomplished quite a few milestones in the music world. He inspired many musicians and helped to shape the genre of soul and the era of Motown. He also won a Grammy for his 1982 release sexual healing. Even after his death he continues to posthumously receive awards including a Lifetime Achievement Award and induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Gaye also earned the title "Prince of Motown" and "Prince of Soul", and was able to play keyboards synthesizer and drums.