You're a Wonderful One explained

You're A Wonderful One
Cover:You're a Wonderful One label.gif
Type:single
Artist:Marvin Gaye
Album:How Sweet It Is to Be Loved by You
B-Side:When I'm Alone I Cry
Released:February 20, 1964
Recorded:January 6, 1964, Hitsville, USA, Detroit, Michigan
Genre:R&B, soul, rock and roll
Length:2:45
Label:Tamla
Producer:Brian Holland
Lamont Dozier
Prev Title:Can I Get a Witness
Prev Year:1963
Next Title:Try It Baby
Next Year:1964

"You're a Wonderful One" is a popular recording written by Holland–Dozier–Holland and recorded and released as a single by Marvin Gaye, released in 1964 on the Tamla label. It charted at #15 on the Billboard Hot 100.[1]

In the song, the narrator praises his "wonderful one" for loving him and for "always (being) around" him. Gaye is helped along on this song by The Supremes on background. The group had earlier backed him on "Can I Get a Witness". Musically, The Funk Brothers took elements of Chuck Berry's "Memphis" single and incorporated it into the intro of this song. The song eventually charted at number fifteen on the pop charts and number three on the R&B singles chart.

Billboard described the song as "another stomper somewhat in the 'Can I Get a Witness' vein," stating that it "pumps along on middle tempo with fine, shouting chorus in support."[2] Cash Box described it as "an engaging romancer...that moves along at a steady driving, thump-a-rhythmic beat" with a "sensational job by Marvin and his combo-choral support."[3]

It was produced by Holland–Dozier–Holland, who worked with Gaye on "Witness" and later "How Sweet It Is (To Be Loved by You)" by Gaye a few months later giving him his biggest success as a solo artist until "I Heard It Through the Grapevine" in 1968.

Personnel

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Marvin Gaye awards. Allmusic. 2014-04-14.
  2. News: Billboard. 2021-05-01. March 7, 1964. 21. Singles Reviews. PDF.
  3. CashBox Record Reviews . March 7, 1964 . 10 . 2022-01-12 . Cash Box.