# This Marvin Gaye Song From 1968 Almost Wasn’t Released Before It Became His First No. 1 Hit

- URL: https://talkfuse.com/story/this-marvin-gaye-song-from-1968-almost-wasnt-released-before-it-became-his-first-no-1-hit/
- Published: 2026-11-04T18:30:00+00:00
- Updated: 2026-11-05T05:12:37+00:00
- Original publisher: American Songwriter
- Original article: https://americansongwriter.com/this-marvin-gaye-song-from-1968-almost-wasnt-released-before-it-became-his-first-no-1-hit/
- Topics: Entertainment, Music

## Key points

- Gaye’s version almost missed release.
- Gladys Knight and the Pips took the song to No. 2.
- Gaye’s recording became his first US No. 1.

## Summary

Marvin Gaye’s version of “I Heard It Through The Grapevine” was nearly held back from release, despite winning support at a Motown meeting. Berry Gordy favoured a more romantic song for Gaye, but the track later became his first US No. 1 hit.

Norman Whitfield and Barrett Strong wrote the song in 1966, inspired by a phrase Strong heard in Chicago. Gladys Knight and the Pips recorded it first and took it to No. 2 in the US; about a year later, Gaye’s version, included on *In the Groove*, reached No. 1 and became Motown’s best-selling single at the time.

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