Let's Get It On by Marvin Gaye

Album: Let's Get It On (1973)

Charted: 31 1

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Originally written by 1950s one-hit-wonder Ed Townsend ("For Your Love" in 1958), the song originally addressed the author's desire to get on with life after beating alcoholism. Marvin Gaye completely changed the lyrics (and meaning) to the song after meeting Janis Hunter, the woman who would become his second wife. The song helped cement Gaye's reputation as one of the greatest singers of baby-making music. Song writing credits on the song went to both Gaye and Townsend. >>
Suggestion credit:
John - Nashville, TN
"Let's Get It On" was the title track of Gaye's 1973 album. It topped the Billboard Pop Singles chart for two weeks and the Billboard Soul Singles chart for eight weeks. It also made history as Motown's most successful release in the United States to that date and the second most successful song of 1973 (behind Tony Orlando & Dawn's "Tie A Yellow Ribbon Round The Ole Oak Tree").
This song's co-writer Ed Townsend also produced the album with Marvin and co-wrote the three other songs on the first side of the disc, including "Keep Gettin' It On." He wrote with Gaye again on songs for Marvin's 1978 album Here, My Dear.
This song has appeared in a variety of TV shows, movies and commercials, often for comic effect to imply an imminent romantic encounter. Some of the media uses include the TV shows The Simpsons, The Sopranos, Scrubs, House, Ugly Betty, Charmed, Spin City and The King of Queens.

Movie uses include Into the Night (1985), Queens Logic (1991), The Inkwell (1994), Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me (1999), High Fidelity (2000), Crossroads (2002), Something's Gotta Give (2003), Mr. 3000 (2004), Bridget Jones: The Edge of Reason (2004), The Change-Up (2011), and The Dictator (2012).

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Comments: 6

Tammy from Fredericksburg, VaDoes anyone remember this song from "The King of Queens"? Deke & Kelly, Doug & Carrie all went away for a romantic retreat weekend. Too funny!
Barry from Sauquoit, NyThis song spent two weeks at #1 but not consecutively. On September 8th, 1973 it reached #1 but after one week "Delta Dawn" by Helen Reddy
replaced it for one week. Then Marvin reclaimed #1 for another week!!!
John from Nashville, TnEd Townsend finally wrote his "gettin' on with life after beating alcoholism song" called "Finally Got Myself Together". It was a #1 r&b hit and a top 20 pop hit for the post- Curtis Mayfield Impressions.
Del from Ohakunie, New Zealandwish a guy would sing this to me lol
David from Youngstown, OhThat smooth opening is instantly recognizable. It's one of Marvin Gaye's greatest performances. What I love is he doesn't mince words. He wants to have sex and is very, very straight-forward. "Stop beating 'round the bush" is a great touch.
Ben from Hillsborough, NjI think that this song is very sexy and meaningful, and sparks a lot of enthusiasum. great song, very 1970's style, too.

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