Marvin Gaye & Tammi Terrell, You’re All I Need To Get By | Throwback Vibez

In the 87^th edition of Throwback Vibez (2023), we recollect and reflect on “You’re All I Need To Get By” by Marvin Gaye & Tammi Terrell.

“You’re all, I need, to get by, You’re all…” 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 that they’re ancient – no fossils ! All genres of music are welcome. In the 87^th edition of Throwback Vibez (2023), we recollect and reflect on “You’re All I Need To Get By”, performed by Marvin Gaye & Tammi Terrell.

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“Like sweet morning dew / I took one look at you / And it was plain to see / You were my destiny.” That is how Marvin Gaye serenades his duet partner, Tammi Terrell on “You’re All I Need to Get By”. “You’re All I Need to Get By” appeared on their 1968 album, fittingly titled, You’re All I Need.  Terrell responds to Gaye, singing, memorably, “With my arms open wide / I threw away my pride / I’ll sacrifice for you / Dedicate my life to you.” Aww , the feels, the feels, feels.  Gaye and Terrell cultivate incredible dedication with their electric chemistry. They also get significant help, courtesy of songwriting royalty   Nickolas Ashford and Valerie Simpson who also produce .

While their respective parts in the lead role are elite, so is their blend singing together.  This is amazing considering the singers recorded separately , something that is a common practice today. The chorus is where their bread is buttered as they proclaim, “There’s no, no looking back for us / We got love, sure ‘nough, that’s enough / You’re all, You’re all I need to get by.” WOO! The outro also marks a terrific moment from this hit, which peaked at no. 7 on the pop charts. “You’re All I Need to Get By” is classic Motown at its best. Sadly, Tammi Terrell’s life was cut extra short due to cancer, and she’d pass away at just 24 years old in 1970.  “You’re All I Need to Get By” has been covered many times to no surprise – it’s da bomb!

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Marvin Gaye & Tammi Terrell • You’re All I Need • Motown • 1968

Marvin Gaye & Tammi Terrell, “You’re All I Need To Get By”: Throwback Vibez No. 87 (2023) [: Brent Faulkner / The Musical Hype; Motown; John Alan Sperry, PIRO via Pixabay]