Introduction:
“I Heard It Through the Grapevine”: A Song Twice Heard
“I Heard It Through the Grapevine” might be instantly recognizable as a Creedence Clearwater Revival classic, but its roots lie a few years before their swamp rock rendition. The song was originally written by Norman Whitfield and Barrett Strong for Motown Records in 1966.
The first recorded version wasn’t even by a superstar – The Miracles, a lesser-known Motown act at the time, released their version in 1967. It wasn’t until Marvin Gaye put his soulful spin on the song in 1968 that “I Heard It Through the Grapevine” truly exploded. Gaye’s version became a massive hit, topping the Billboard charts and solidifying the song’s place in musical history.
So, how did a Motown anthem end up in the hands of Creedence Clearwater Revival? Creedence was known for their bluesy rock sound, a far cry from Motown’s polished soul. However, the band was also known for their incredible live performances, often extending and reimagining songs. In 1970, when they included “I Heard It Through the Grapevine” on their album Cosmo’s Factory, they took the opportunity to completely transform the track.
Their version stretched to a staggering eleven minutes, a psychedelic rock odyssey that bore little resemblance to the original. Creedence’s driving guitar riffs and John Fogerty’s distinctive vocals created a new energy for the song, showcasing their own musical identity while still retaining the core message of heartbreak and betrayal.
While Marvin Gaye’s version dominated the charts, Creedence Clearwater Revival’s take on “I Heard It Through the Grapevine” became a beloved classic for a different audience. The song stands as a testament to the power of both Motown songwriting and Creedence’s ability to reimagine a hit into something entirely their own. So, the next time you hear “I Heard It Through the Grapevine,” take a moment to appreciate the song’s rich history and the two distinct ways it found success.