How Sweet It Is To Be Loved By You – Marvin Gaye | Top 40 Chart Performance, Story and Song Meaning
Chart Performance: Pop (#6) and R&B (#3) ; 1965
Story Behind The Song By Ed Osborne
In May, 1961 Marvin Gaye debuted on 45 with Let Your Conscience Be Your Guide, followed by The Soulful Moods Of Marvin Gaye, an album that showcased Gaye as the next Nat “King” Cole.
Two more singles failed before Gaye found his soul groove on Stubborn Kind Of Fellow (#8 R&B/#46 Pop; 1962). Fellow kicked off a string of nine R&B hits, of which only Pride And Joy reached the pop Top 10.
His breakthrough disc in that arena arrived in late 1964. Songwriter/producers Brian Holland, Lamont Dozier, and Eddie Holland had already given Gaye the hits Can I Get A Witness and You’re A Wonderful One.
This time around they came up with How Sweet It Is To Be Loved By You; a lilting track in direct contrast to their earlier gospel-tinged rockers. How Sweet It Is established Gaye as a Top 40 star, and, in the wake of an appearance on UK TV’s Ready, Steady, Go!, his first British chart record.
This content and all Song Meaning articles were created and written by Top 40 Contributing Editor Ed Osborne. © 2024 Ed Osborne. All Rights Reserved. In addition to these song meaning articles, Ed has written our “Year in Music 1960s-1990s” articles.
Produced by:
- Brian Holland
- Lamont Dozier
Lyrics Written by:
- Holland–Dozier–Holland
Ed Osborne
Hi. I got my first record at age two and never looked back, spending a decades-long career in radio and the music business. Even after years of reading about and listening to all types of music, I am still fascinated by it. Apart from that, I’m endlessly intrigued by art, nature, and the inner lives of people (and dogs).