I Heard It Through The Grapevine

About this song

Norman Whitfield and Barrett Strong wrote the song for Motown Records in 1966. Smokey Robinson & the Miracles recorded the first version that year, but Berry Gordy rejected it and asked for a stronger take. Gladys Knight & the Pips' version was released as a single in September 1967 and reached number two on the Billboard chart, while Marvin Gaye's version appeared on his 1968 album In the Groove before being released as a single in October 1968. That single topped the Billboard Pop Singles chart for seven weeks and became the biggest hit on the Motown label for a time.

Fun facts

• Sampled in 12 other songs, like “Mac n' Cheese by shawn wasabi”.
• Covered 28 times, including “I Heard It Through The Grapevine by Bob Mintzer”.
• Written by Norman Whitfield and Barrett Strong.
• Produced by Norman Whitfield.
• Recorded at Hitsville U.S.A. and Golden World (Motown Studio B).