Can I Get a Witness

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"Can I Get a Witness" is a 1963 hit song by Marvin Gaye on the Tamla (Motown) label. Written and produced by Motown songwriting and producing team Holland-Dozier-Holland, the song was built among gospel-styled music and heralded Gaye's beginnings in the church with a rhythm and blues/rock and roll setting. The song featured Gaye on piano, playing a boogie pattern, The Funk Brothers, and members of The Supremes in the background accompanying Gaye. The song became a hit in both the U.S. and the United Kingdom, and British musicians Dusty Springfield, The Rolling Stones, and Steampacket (which featured a very young Rod Stewart) recorded cover versions of the song. Gaye's version peaked at number twenty-two on the Pop Singles chart and its title soon became a catch phrase. Lee Michaels' 1971 version reached number thirty-nine on the pop chart; both his and Gaye's versions peaked during Christmas week.

In popular culture

• Gaye's recording is featured in the 1999 biographical film The Hurricane.

Credits

• Lead vocals by Marvin Gaye
• Background vocals by The Supremes: Diana Ross, Florence Ballard, and Mary Wilson
• Instrumentation by The Funk Brothers