What You Gave Me (song)
Encyclopedia
"What You Gave Me" is a hit duet written and produced by Ashford & Simpson
and issued as a single originally by the vocal duo of Marvin Gaye
and Tammi Terrell
in 1969 on the Tamla
label.
Recorded on the throes of the final stage of Gaye and Terrell's duet recordings, it was the second release off their album, Easy. Like much of the album, it's debated whether or not the then-ailing Terrell took part in the recording or did co-writer Valerie Simpson sub for Terrell.
While Marvin later insisted Terrell was subbed by Simpson, Simpson was recently quoted that Terrell took part in the recordings. Whatever the case, the song gave the duo a modest charting peaking at number forty-nine pop and number six R&B.
It was revived years later as a club hit by Diana Ross
in 1978. Her version, however, bombed on the R&B charts where it peaked at a dismal 86.
Ashford & Simpson
Nickolas Ashford , and Valerie Simpson , were a husband and wife songwriting/production team and recording artists....
and issued as a single originally by the vocal duo of Marvin Gaye
Marvin Gaye
Marvin Pentz Gay, Jr. , better known by his stage name Marvin Gaye, was an American singer-songwriter and musician with a three-octave vocal range....
and Tammi Terrell
Tammi Terrell
Thomasina Winifred Montgomery, known as Tammi Terrell was an American singer-songwriter most notable for her association with Motown and her duets with Marvin Gaye. As a teenager she recorded for the Scepter–Wand, Try Me and Checker record labels. She signed with Motown in April 1965 and enjoyed...
in 1969 on the Tamla
Motown Records
Motown is a record label originally founded by Berry Gordy, Jr. and incorporated as Motown Record Corporation in Detroit, Michigan, United States, on April 14, 1960. The name, a portmanteau of motor and town, is also a nickname for Detroit...
label.
Recorded on the throes of the final stage of Gaye and Terrell's duet recordings, it was the second release off their album, Easy. Like much of the album, it's debated whether or not the then-ailing Terrell took part in the recording or did co-writer Valerie Simpson sub for Terrell.
While Marvin later insisted Terrell was subbed by Simpson, Simpson was recently quoted that Terrell took part in the recordings. Whatever the case, the song gave the duo a modest charting peaking at number forty-nine pop and number six R&B.
It was revived years later as a club hit by Diana Ross
Diana Ross
Diana Ernestine Earle Ross is an American singer, record producer, and actress. Ross was lead singer of the Motown group The Supremes during the 1960s. After leaving the group in 1970, Ross began a solo career that included successful ventures into film and Broadway...
in 1978. Her version, however, bombed on the R&B charts where it peaked at a dismal 86.
Credits
- All vocals by Marvin GayeMarvin GayeMarvin Pentz Gay, Jr. , better known by his stage name Marvin Gaye, was an American singer-songwriter and musician with a three-octave vocal range....
& Tammi TerrellTammi TerrellThomasina Winifred Montgomery, known as Tammi Terrell was an American singer-songwriter most notable for her association with Motown and her duets with Marvin Gaye. As a teenager she recorded for the Scepter–Wand, Try Me and Checker record labels. She signed with Motown in April 1965 and enjoyed...
/Valerie Simpson - Produced by Ashford & SimpsonAshford & SimpsonNickolas Ashford , and Valerie Simpson , were a husband and wife songwriting/production team and recording artists....
- Instrumentation by The Funk BrothersThe Funk BrothersThe Funk Brothers was the nickname of Detroit, Michigan, session musicians who performed the backing to most Motown Records recordings from 1959 until the company moved to Los Angeles in 1972...