Got to give it marvin gaye

TRACK OF THE WEEK

DAY & DATE: The Billboard Hot 100's summit was claimed by the song in the week ending on Saturday, June twenty-fifth, nineteen seventy-seven.

SONGWRITER: Marvin Gaye.

PRODUCER: Art Stewart.

BACKSTORY: While "I Heard It Through The Grapevine" is arguably Marvin Gaye's most renowned hit, "Got To Give It Up" is surely amongst the most controversial, owing to a notable legal dispute. Marvin's family successfully pursued a copyright infringement lawsuit against the creators of the 2013 single "Blurred Lines," notably by Robin Thicke, featuring Pharrell Williams and T.I. The song's clear influence upon this twenty-first-century recording is immediately apparent. Consequently, a federal jury rewarded the late Motown superstar's children with over seven million dollars two years later, establishing a significant precedent for other cases involving suspected plagiarism.

Ironically, Gaye in nineteen seventy-six displayed a reluctance to undertake this musical endeavor. He articulated this to his biographer David Ritz, citing the relentless disco pressures of Motown. Yet, a pressing production need—filling the blank fourth side of the double album Live At The London Palladium—spurred him into action. After a sold-out UK performance in early October of '76, Motown planned a single-album release; however, Gaye advocated for a double LP, a feat the recorded concert content couldn't adequately support.

Therefore, to complete the double album's fourth side, Gaye collaboratively composed a fresh track with long-time Motown engineer/producer Art Stewart. Stewart recounted a spontaneous creative spark between Gaye and his drummer, Bugsy Wilcox, at Gaye's studio. Stewart emphasized that the early sound was unpolished, yet possessed the undeniable potential to soar. Nevertheless, Gaye's focus temporarily wavered. Stewart recounted a pivotal Christmas Day 1976 visit to Gaye's home, laden with the budding song that would become "Got To Give It Up," a visit intended to reignite Gaye's interest.

Eventually, "Got To Give It Up" materialized, showcasing a range of musical talents: Wilcox's drums, Gaye's keyboard and vocal prowess, the veteran Motown studio musician Jack Ashford on tambourine, and guitar work from Johnny McGee, from the popular R&B band L.T.D.. Gaye's wife Jan and brother Frankie also contributed backing vocals. Frankie Beverly of the popular non-Motown band Maze provided additional vocal harmonies. Stewart elaborated on his aim to capture a live-performance atmosphere and recalled the presence of the Soul Train host, Don Cornelius, amongst the studio's personnel. "Got to Give It Up" is audible in the track.

The outcome was a successful crossover hit, climbing to the top of the Billboard Hot 100, marking Gaye's third chart-topping achievement. Edited from its initial 11+ minutes for release, the single also achieved Top 10 status in the United Kingdom. The accompanying double album, Live At The London Palladium, became the second-highest-charting album of Gaye's career, reaching the Top 3 during 1977. Gaye reflected, acknowledging that, despite his initial reluctance, he eventually fulfilled Motown's demands, achieving his own style of musical compromise.

REMAKES: Regardless of whether "Blurred Lines" constitutes a remake, as the court ultimately determined, "Got To Give It Up" serves as a considerable source of inspiration for other musicians. These creative interpretations include straight interpretations, including instrumental versions by David Sanborn and Pharaoh Sanders, and others drawing from the original's rhythmic foundations. Notable examples include Madonna's "Give It 2 Me" (featuring Pharrell Williams), Notorious B.I.G.'s "Intro" (from his album Ready To Die), and Aaliyah's straightforward cover, each from 2008. There was also a Portuguese-language rendition by Sandra de Sa (titled 'Fuzuê') in 2002, as well as a 1999 version from Motown artist Zhane in tribute to Gaye's 60th birthday.

FOOTNOTE: David Ritz, in his book Divided Soul, recounted a San Francisco disco visit two years post-'Got To Give It Up' with Gaye. While recognizing the significant production quality of Michael Jackson's Off The Wall, Gaye resisted dancing. Instead, he quietly enjoyed the convivial atmosphere at the bar. Suddenly, "Got To Give It Up" resonated through the club, propelling Gaye onto the dance floor. Ritz observed the subdued joy; Gaye's natural grace conflicted with an evident self-consciousness as he moved stiffly. The spectacle was especially jarring given the song's autobiographical narrative, revealing Gaye's own story of shyness.