The propulsive, tension-filled number came flying off the pens of Holland, Dozier and Holland and into the Motown studio.
On February 8, 1975, the group proved that there was life after Norman Whitfield, climbed to No.1 with ‘Happy People,’ co-written by Commodore Richie.
'He Was Really Sayin' Somethin'' was nothing like the big hit it deserved to be, but it became a much-loved Hitsville highlight.
The Detroit native teamed up with his original bandmates in 1953, and has been a Top ever since.
The checkered story of 'I Heard It Through The Grapevine' included Gladys and the group's R&B No.1 version, before Marvin took ownership of the song.
The Holland-Dozier-Holland magic started working again with the group's third smash in a row.
On November 21, 1964, Gaye entered the Hot 100 with what would would become a new crossover success, but a UK entry for just one week.
The group performed their new Holland-Dozier-Holland song on 'The Ed Sullivan Show,' but it peaked at No.9 in the US.
The Holland-Dozier-Holland classic was released in the US just three weeks after ‘Where Did Our Love Go’ had finished its two-week reign.
In 1963, the rapid emergence of Martha Reeves & the Vandellas travelled at 45 rpm with three smash hit singles, then at 33rpm with their second album.
'Beauty Is Only Skin Deep' became the third of four consecutive R&B No.1s for the Emperors of Soul.
The 1966 smash had the working title ‘This Is Where I Came In,’ before Holland-Dozier-Holland found the lyric they wanted.
The British singer-songwriter, keyboard player and guitarist ruled America in August 1988 with both the 'Roll With It' single and album.
The group's dramatic delivery and the peerlessly plaintive lead vocals of Levi Stubbs became their most famous calling card.
The Holland-Dozier-Holland classic was first cut a month earlier — and got the thumbs down from Berry Gordy.