What You Gave Me (song)

"What You Gave Me" is a hit duet written and produced by Ashford & Simpson and issued as a single originally by the vocal duo of Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell in 1969 on the Tamla label.

Recorded on the throes of the final stage of Gaye and Terrell's duet recordings, it was the second release off their album, Easy. Like much of the album, it's debated whether The then-ailing Terrell took part in the recording or did co-writer Valerie Simpson sub for Terrell.

While Marvin later insisted Terrell was subbed by Simpson, Simpson was recently quoted that Terrell took part in the recordings. Whatever the case, the song gave the duo a modest charting peaking at number forty-nine pop and number six R&B.^[1]

It was revived years later as a club hit by Diana Ross in 1978. Her version peaked at #86 on the R&B charts.

Credits

• All vocals by Marvin Gaye & Tammi Terrell/Valerie Simpson
• Produced by Ashford & Simpson
• Instrumentation by The Funk Brothers

References