Marvin Gaye, Got To Give It Up | Throwback Vibez 🕶️🎶

Reading Time: 3 min read

In the 45th edition of Throwback Vibez (2025), we recollect and reflect on “Got To Give It Up” by the late, great Motown icon, Marvin Gaye.

The vibes, the vibes, those Throwback Vibez ! Throwback Vibez is a column that celebrates awesome songs from the past. The records that grace this column are older, but that doesn’t necessarily mean they’re ancient – no fossils ! All genres of music are welcome. In the 45^th edition of Throwback Vibez ️ (2025), we recollect and reflect on “Got To Give It Up” performed by Marvin Gaye.

“Keep on dancin’ (you got to get it) / Got to give it up.” Marvin Gaye (1939 – 1984) is one of the biggest names when it comes to soul music. ICON, period. One of his ‘best of the best’ songs is the hella groovy “Got To Give It Up”. Gaye composed this disco/funk joint that reached the number one spot on the Billboard Hot 100 in June 1977. Art Stewart produced it.

What makes “Got To Give It Up” an unforgettable classic? It begins with the infectious, percussive groove. The mix of drums (Bugsy Wilcox) and various percussion instruments is funky to the nth degree. The minute you hear it, your body naturally wants to move. This is intentional, given the fact that Gaye’s label wanted him to record disco. Gaye, Frankie Beverly (1946 – 2024), and Jack Ashford (1934 – ) ‘put in work’ on the percussion front. Beyond the percussion, the rest of the rhythm section packs a mighty punch – the keys and bass cook! Adding to the allure of the cut, before mentioning Gaye’s ‘once-in-a-lifetime’ vocals, is the distinct speaking voices (which sound like crowd noise), mixed in the background.

Of course, the straw that stirs the drink that is “Got To Give It Up” is Marvin Gaye. His voice is otherworldly. A master of falsetto, “Got To Give It Up” features some of his most decadent, high-flying head voice. Gaye uses his marvelous instrument to bring the carefree, tuneful melodies to life. He is commanding yet the feel is easygoing – barely breaking a sweat. “I used to go out to parties and stand around / ‘Cause I was too nervous to really get down,” he sings in the first verse, continuing, “But my body yearned to be free / I got up on the floor and thought, ‘Somebody could choose me.’” Word! No longer a wallflower, Gaye embraces the groove and socializes now!

“This is such a groovy place

All the young ladies are so fine

You’re moving your body easy with no doubt

I know what you thinkin’ baby

You wanna turn me out

Think I’m gonna let you do it, babe.”

Beyond epic lead vocals and personality exhibited by Gaye, the background vocals are elite, too. He got help from his siblings, Frankie Gaye (1941 – 2001) and Zeola Gaye (1945 – ), as well as his second wife, Janis Hunter Gaye (1956 – 2022). Ultimately, “Got To Give It Up” is timeless. Notably, the song ‘inspired’ the dominant 2013 hit, “Blurred Lines”… Notably, the Gayes sued Robin Thicke and Pharrell Williams for copyright infringement and ultimately won the case.