A true classic, I Heard It Through The Grapevine, was written in 1966 by Norman Whitfield and Barrett Strong for Motown. The song was originally recorded by Smokey Robinson & The Miracles. The version was deemed not strong enough by Barry Gordy and given to Marvin Gaye, who recorded it in 1967. Gordy did not like this version either and it was then recorded by Gladys Knight and the Pips, who also released it in 1967. The Smokey Robinson version was not released for many years, and Gaye’s was not released until 1968. as far as covers, wow, diverse groups like CCR and the California Raisins (a TV commercial with Buddy Miles as the vocalist) have given the song a makeover.
Next up, Gladys Knight and the Pips
Third, the classic Marvin Gaye.
These were the basic originals, now we will listen to some covers from later on.
This is the song done by Creedence Clearwater Revival, not the 10 minute version.
And to finish up, a version by the British punkers, The Slits.
RCMB 
5 responses to “Interesting Covers – I Heard It Through The Grapevine”
I was never such a fan of the CCR version.
I still think Marvin is the standard for the song. (But the Slits were…interesting…)
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Interesting yes. I found it interesting who had shots at that song in the beginning. Talk about classic artists.
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I never heard the CCR version before. I like it!
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They had a habit of putting a 10 minute sing on their albums meaning they were doomed to zero airplay. Suzie Q was one of those but they released it as a shorter version for a single. They could have done that with this song as well.
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Intersting!
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