My apologies if this is an old question but I have been asked a question that I feel I should know the answer to but can't recall it.

Martha Reeves Show me the Way. Did Marvin Gaye do a version of this ?

I have a version by JJ Barnes with the same backing track called Aint it the truth.

The CD copy I have been given sounds like Marvin and of course many of the Motown songs were covered by many of their artists.

Is it simply an album track that I've missed or is it an unissued track found in the vaults?

I know someone here will know the answer.

Andy

Not that I'm aware and not according to "Don't Forget The Motor City"

Show Me The Way (Jimmy Barnes-Richard Morris-Sylvia Moy) publ. Jobete

The Vandellas; recorded Hitsville-GW, completed 27-Sep-67 ; produced by Richard Morris

31-Oct-67; 45 (M): Gordy G 7067 B

29-Apr-68; LP (M): Gordy G926 Ridin' High [DJ copies only]

29-Apr-68; LP (S): Gordy S926 Ridin' High

07-Sep-93; CD (M): Motown 37463 6313 2 Live Wire! The Singles 1962-1972

May-02; CD (S): Motown 016 837 2 Ridin' High / Sugar 'n Spice [uK]

05-Jan-04; CD (M): Motown 066 637 2 Soul Satisfaction 04 - Mouth Watering Motown And B-Side Beauties [uK]

07-Mar-06; CD (S): Motown B000522602 Gold

25-May-07; CD (M): Hip-O Select B0008993-02 The Complete Motown Singles Vol. 7 1967

Almost sure its JJ Barnes but it sounds incredibly like Marv. Called Show me. . Swings like hell my fav version brilliant dancer

Think Ginger had an acetate of the JJ Barnes version. He was playing it out at one time.

Didn't the fact that JJ sounded like Marvin more or less finish his career with Motown.

Yes that's right Chalky, when they took over Ric Tic he was sidelined so as to give Marvin a clear run.

Also, incredibly JJ was at one point a more popular draw at live performances in Detroit than Marvin. Can't remember who told me that - maybe Popcorn.

Thanks for that.

Not absolutely conclusive but we think it's JJ Barnes rather than Marvin and that it's not available on any CD not even the Cellarful of Motown series ??

Andy.

It is J.J. Barnes and remains, officially, unreleased

Andy