I_Heard_It_Through_The_Grapevine

Martha And The Vandellas

I Heard It Through The Grapevine

Words and Music by Norman Whitfield and Barrett Strong

Martha and the Vandellas
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Martha and the Vandellas

Martha and the Vandellas on the cover of their seminal 1964 single, "Dancing in the Street". Clockwise from left to right: Martha Reeves, Annette Beard and Rosalind Ashford.
Background information
Also known as The Del-Phis, The Vells, Martha Reeves & the Vandellas
Origin Detroit, Michigan, USA
Genre(s) R&B/soul
Years active 1960 - 1972
Label(s) Chess
Motown
Associated
acts Marvin Gaye
Former members
Martha Reeves
Rosalind Ashford
Annette Sterling
Gloria Williamson
Betty Kelley
Sandra "Lois" Reeves
Sandra Tilley
Martha and the Vandellas were one of the most successful groups in the Motown roster during the 1960s and fully active from 1960 to 1972, performing at various times doo-wop, pop, rock and roll and soul.

The label's second most-successful all-female singing group after The Supremes, Martha Reeves and the Vandellas were known for a churchier, more southern-styled soul than the Supremes, as typified in Motown hits such as "(Love Is Like A) Heat Wave", "Jimmy Mack", "I'm Ready For Love", "My Baby Loves Me", "Nowhere to Run", and, their signature song, "Dancing in the Street".

Founded in Detroit, Michigan in 1960, the group had initially gone by the name The Del-Phis and originally was a quartet of Martha Reeves, Rosalind Ashford, Annette Beard and original lead singer Gloria Williamson. Williamson left after a failed single on the Checkmate label, leaving the quartet as a trio. They changed their name again to The Vells signing a deal with Motown's Mel-o-dy label, and singing background for established Motown performers such as Mary Wells and Marvin Gaye before signing a new deal with Motown's Gordy label, changing their name to Martha and the Vandellas in 1962.

In 1964, the Vandellas' lineup changed with Betty Kelley replacing Sterling. In 1967, Kelley was fired and was replaced by Martha's younger sister, Sandra "Lois" Reeves. In 1969, Ashford was also fired and replaced by Sandra Tilley. The lineup of the Reeves sisters and Tilley continued after Martha's return from an institution after suffering a nervous breakdown. The group's final performance at Detroit's Cobo Hall in 1972 ended their twelve-year existence.

Ooh, I bet you're wond'rin' how I knew
'bout your plans to make me blue
With some other guy you knew before
Between the two of us guys you know I love you more
It took me by surprise I must say
When I found out yesterday
Dontcha know that I

Heard it through the grapevine
Not much longer would you be mine
Oh I heard it through the grapevine
Oh I'm just about to lose my mind
Honey, honey yeah
(Heard it through the grapevine)
(Not much longer would you be my baby, ooh, ooh, ooh)

I know a man ain't supposed to cry
But these tears I can't hold inside
Losin' you would end my life you see
'cause you mean that much to me
You could have told me yourself
That you love someone else
Instead I

Heard it through the grapevine
Not much longer would you be mine
Oh I heard it through the grapevine
And I'm just about to lose my mind
Honey, honey yeah
(Heard it through the grapevine)
(Not much longer would you be my baby, ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh)

People say believe half of what you see
Son, and none of what you hear
But I can't help bein' confused
If it's true please tell me dear
Do you plan to let me go
For the other guy you loved before?
Dontcha know I

Heard it through the grapevine
Not much longer would you be mine
Baby I heard it through the grapevine
Ooh I'm just about to lose my mind
Honey, honey yeah
(Heard it through the grapevine)
(Not much longer would you be my baby, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah)

Honey, honey, I know
That you're lettin' me go
Said I heard it through the grapevine

FADE
Heard it through the grapevine