About the Song
I Heard It Through the Grapevine is a song written by Norman Whitfield and Barrett Strong for Motown Records in 1962. It was first recorded by the Miracles, a Motown vocal group, and released as a single in July 1962. The song reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in the United States and number two on the UK Singles Chart.
The song has been covered by many artists, including The Marvelettes, Gladys Knight & the Pips, and The Rolling Stones. However, the most famous version is by Creedence Clearwater Revival (CCR), which was released as a single in 1970. CCR’s version of the song reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in the United States and number three on the UK Singles Chart. It has also been certified Platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA).
“I Heard It Through the Grapevine” is a classic example of a soul song. It is characterized by its strong vocals, catchy melody, and soulful lyrics. The song’s lyrics tell the story of a man who hears through the grapevine that his lover is cheating on him. He is devastated by this news, and he sings about his pain and heartbreak.
The song’s powerful lyrics and soulful melody have made it a popular choice for cover artists. CCR’s version of the song is considered to be one of the definitive versions of the song. It is a classic example of a soul song, and it continues to be enjoyed by listeners of all ages.
Some interesting facts about the song:
- The song was originally written for Marvin Gaye, but he was not available to record it.
- The song’s title refers to the informal way of spreading news or gossip.
- The song has been used in many films and television shows, including “The Big Chill”, “Forrest Gump”, and “The Sopranos”.
- The song was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 1999.
If you are a fan of soul music, then you should definitely check out “I Heard It Through the Grapevine”. It is a classic song with a powerful message that continues to resonate with listeners today.
Barbara Desetto