1963
CAN I GET A WITNESS * MARVIN GAYE * STATESIDE 243 * UK
Black talk, language that was part of an oral tradition, as opposed to a literary one, converted words into phrases that spoke volumes, the title of this song turns a judicial concept into both a social and emotional plea, that carries an implied critique.
Recorded on 17th July, he is backed by The Funk Brothers and Earl Van Dyke (with a Boogie Woogie piano riff) on instrumentals and members of The Supremes and Holland Dozier and Holland on vocals. According to song writer Eddie Holland Marvin Gaye recorded Can I Get A Witness in one take! Originally released in September on Tamla 54087 (see below) in the US.
CAN I GET A WITNESS * MARVIN GAYE * TAMLA 54087 * USA
For more of my man Marvin see: