Which soul singer performed the 1968 hit 'I Heard It Through the Grapevine'?

Marvin Gaye performed the 1968 hit version of “I Heard It Through the Grapevine.”

Motown songwriter Norman Whitfield and Barrett Strong wrote the song in 1966. Marvin Gaye recorded his version in 1967, but Motown delayed its release until October 1968, when it appeared as a single and on the album “In the Groove.” That timing is why Gaye is the canonical answer to a question identifying the 1968 hit.

The song’s release history creates one of soul music’s most famous mix-ups. Gladys Knight & the Pips recorded and released the first version in September 1967, and their recording became a major hit before Gaye’s version appeared. The Miracles recorded the song even earlier, in 1966, but their take was not released at the time.

Gaye’s dramatic performance topped both the Billboard Hot 100 and the R&B chart for seven weeks. The album “In the Groove” was later reissued under the title “I Heard It Through the Grapevine,” reflecting the song’s enormous success.