The story behind
Creedence Clearwater Revival gave an epic version of I Heard It Through the Grapevine on their album Cosmo's Factory, from 1970. The original song, written by Norman Whitfield and Barrett Strong, was born in 1966 in Chicago, when Strong heard people say "I heard it through the grapevine" while walking down Michigan Avenue. The phrase, originating from Civil War-era black culture, became the chorus of the song. Whitfield recorded the first version with Gladys Knight & the Pips in 1967, and then worked with Marvin Gaye, who recorded it in five sessions. Gaye's interpretation, with his raspy voice and smooth harmonies, became a soul classic. The Creedence version, eleven minutes long, is a long and intense recording, released as a single. The song speaks of betrayal and distrust, in first person, and remains a reference of sixties music. ↓ Skip to chordsIntro
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Verse
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Chorus
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Solo
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Chorus
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Final
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