It is a known fact that Marvin Gaye was one of the greatest Soul and R&B singer-songwriters of all time. He was a part of the legendary Motown Record label as one of their most prominent singers. Marvin was one of the few artists who helped shape not just popular music, but the world in the ’60s and ’70s. With his groovy songs and heartbreaking ballads, he was labeled as the ‘Prince of Motown’ and the ‘Prince of Soul.’ Rightfully so…
During his short yet impactful career, he received numerous recognitions for his work. This includes 12 Grammy Award nominations, with 2 wins, and a Lifetime Achievement Award, which was awarded to him posthumously.
As a drummer, Marvin Gaye worked closely with the house musicians of Motown, the Funk Brothers. Together, they released some of the most memorable songs, featuring some of the most iconic bass lines ever recorded in popular music.
Marvin Gaye
Marvin first started out as a member of the vocal quartet The Marquees. With this group, he only saw limited success, mostly performing with Bo Diddley and participating in some recording sessions. It was during this time that he began composing his own music.
Not many people know that after his stint with The Marquees, Marvin Gaye was an in-house session drummer for Tri-Phi Records. It was here that he first met Motown Records founder Berry Gordy at a house party. After hearing him perform, Gordy signed Marvin Gaye to his Motown subsidiary, Tamla Records, in 1960.
His first success came with his 1962 song ‘Stubborn Kind of Fellow.’ The song reached number 8 on the R&B charts, launching his career as a solo artist. Over the course of his career, he released a staggering 25 studio albums and 4 live albums.
With this list, we’ve gathered some of his most legendary songs, but most importantly, those with spectacular bass lines. He was known for his association with the legendary bass players of The Funk Brothers—James Jamerson and Bob Babbitt. Let’s dive in.
5. Marvin Gaye - Mercy, Mercy Me
Even though this list is in no particular order we had to start somewhere. The first song on our list is the second single from his legendary “What’s Going On“ album. “Mercy, Mercy Me” reached number 4 on Billboard’s Pop Singles chart after its release.
Even though James Jamerson played on most of the “What’s Going On” album it is in fact Bob Babbitt on bass on this song.
4. Marvin Gaye - Inner City Blues (Make Me Wanna Holler)
Next up we have “Inner City Blues (Make Me Wanna Holler)”. This song is one of the most classic and powerful Marvin Gaye songs out there. It has a deep message with a heavy groove.
This song also features Bob Babbitt, and in our opinion, is one of his best bass lines ever recorded. The bass riff carries the whole song forward, no question about it. This song also comes from his “What’s Going On” album.
3. Marvin Gaye & Tammi Terrell - Ain't No Mountain High Enough
With this song, we’re taking a step back in time. The next track on our list is Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell’s 1967 hit single, ‘Ain’t No Mountain High Enough.’
To highlight its significance, The Recording Academy inducted it into its Hall of Fame Songs list. The song is also regarded today as one of the most important records ever released by Motown. It features the legendary James Jamerson on bass, who, as always, improvised the bass line. Check it out and get ready to have your mind blown.
2. Marvin Gaye - Too Busy Thinking About My Baby
Next, we have Marvin Gaye’s 1969 hit, ‘Too Busy Thinking About My Baby.’ It features a driving bass line played by the one and only James Jamerson. The song peaked at number four on the Billboard Hot 100.
1. Marvin Gaye & Tammi Terrell - You're All I Need To Get By
Last but not least, we have another Marvin Gaye – Tammi Terrell duet, “You’re All I Need To Get By”. It was released on their “You’re All I Need” album which was their second collaboration after the successful “United” album that featured the above-mentioned “Ain’t no mountain high enough” song. And yes, it features the legendary James Jamerson on bass.
These are just a fraction of Marvin Gaye’s songs with amazing bass lines; we’ve selected some of the best.
We know we left out one of his most well-known songs with one of the best bass lines of all time—’What’s Going On.’ We did that on purpose. That song is so iconic that every bass player or musician already knows it—or should, if they don’t yet. These five songs are all popular, mainstream Marvin Gaye tracks, but their bass lines are special in their own way. They’re must-know songs for every Marvin Gaye fan.
