How Can I Forget (The Temptations song)

"How Can I Forget" was originally recorded as a love ballad by Motown group The Temptations in 1968The Complete Motown Singles Vol. 8: 1968 [liner notes]. New York: Hip-O Select/Motown/Universal RecordsWilliams, Otis and Romanowski, Patricia (1988, updated 2002). Temptations. Lanham, MD: Cooper Square. . and was re-recorded in a psychedelic soul/funk styling by fellow Motown artist, Marvin Gaye in 1969.The Complete Motown Singles Vol. 9: 1969 [liner notes]. New York: Hip-O Select/Motown/Universal Records His version, released on Motown's first subsidiary, Tamla, became a modest hit that almost reached the Top 40 of the pop charts while peaking at number 18 on the Hot Selling Soul Singles chart in 1970. Marvin's recording was featured on his That's the Way Love Is album. The song is also notable for being (at the time) one of the shortest recordings for both The Tempts and for Gaye; recorded when most songs are over three minutes, its length is just under two.

Personnel The Temptations' version Lead vocals by Paul Williams Background vocals by Eddie Kendricks, Melvin Franklin, and Otis Williams Instrumentation by The Funk Brothers

Marvin Gaye's version Lead vocals by Marvin Gaye Background vocals by The Originals: Freddie Gorman, Walter Gaines, Henry Dixon and C.P. Spencer Instrumentation by The Funk Brothers and the Detroit Symphony Orchestra Written by Norman Whitfield and Barrett Strong Produced by Norman Whitfield

References