Trials come with all great things, right? This must be true because “I Heard it Through the Grapevine” was recorded numerous times before Marvin Gaye released the famous version that is still popular today (Carlos). The song was first recorded by Smokey Robinson & the Miracles, but Motown’s owner refused to release it. The version by Glady’s Knight & the Pips received some success. However, Marvin Gaye’s version is the one that is in the history books (Carlos).
Today, “I Heard it Through the Grapevine” is one of the most popular songs for covers. It is regularly performed on competitive singing shows like American Idol and X Factor. In fact, the wonderful Fantasia Barrino once performed an amazing rendition of the song during her time on idol. Candice Glover won the 2013 season of American Idol; her cover of the song received positive feedback from all the judges. The song has also been covered by popular artists like Amy Winehouse and Creedence Clearwater.
VH1’s Top 100 Rock Songs of the 1900s list has a wide array of great rock songs that are still enjoyed today. There is “My Girl” by the Temptations that even five year olds know every word to. There is also “Hey Jude” by the Beatles which is one of the most popular Beatles song which speaks a lot about the song since the Beatles have so many classic hits. Aretha Franklin’s “Respect” is even on the list; this song is the official anthem for women. All of these are amazing, but no song deserves a spot on the list more than Marvin Gaye’s “I Heard it Through the Grapevine”. Gaye’s classic has a depth, a meaning, and a cultural significance that many other songs attempt to portray, but they fail.
Gaye’s classic can have multiple meanings. The basic meaning deals with infidelity. The...
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...s face. It is a song about a girl cheating on her boyfriend. However, the song has obvious depth. It can serve as a symbol for what happens when someone lies and cheats. Finally, the song is culturally significant because it uses African American history to unite people from all races, colors, and are groups. There is no white or black. There is no young or old. None of these exist while listening to Gaye’s classic song. The only thing that matters to anyone during that time is enjoying this VH1 Top 100 hit. It has been stated through the grapevine that this is a feeling that only a real piece of music can create.
Works Cited
Carlos. "EFL Lessons." I Heard It Through the Grapevine. N.p., 17 Apr. 2013. Web. 02 Dec. 2013. .
Gaye, Marvin. "I Heard It Through the Grapevine." 1997. Web.
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