Uploaded March 2010 | Updated September 2026, 22 hours ago
Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell were the most successful duo by the late 60's with such hits as "Ain't No Mountain High Enough," "Your Precious Love," and "If I Could Build My Whole World Around You." However by 1969, Tammi Terrell was too ill from her brain tumor and she could no longer perform and record. In order to pay for her treatments, Motown decided to release a third album of duets by Marvin and Tammi, however Tammi only appeared on two tracks on the album. According to Marvin Gaye, Valerie Simpson subbed for Tammi, although Valerie Simpson denies this. Regardless, this song became a huge hit in England in early 1970, just shortly after Tammi's death. Here is Marvin Gaye & Valerie Simpson singing the strange, yet enjoyable "onion" song.
Written by: Nicholas Ashford & Valerie Simpson
Produced by: Nicholas Ashford & Valerie Simpson
Arranged by: Paul Riser
Track recorded: January 25, 1969 - originally assigned to Diana Ross & The Supremes
Horns and strings recorded: January 26, 1969
Demo vocal recorded: January 26, 1969
Additional vocal recorded: January 27, 1969
Marvin Gaye's lead vocal recorded: March 15, 1969
vocal recorded: March 17, 1969
****No copyright infringement intended****
Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell were the most successful duo by the late 60's with such hits as "Ain't No Mountain High Enough," "Your Precious Love," and "If I Could Build My Whole World Around You." However by 1969, Tammi Terrell was too ill from her brain tumor and she could no longer perform and record. In order to pay for her treatments, Motown decided to release a third album of duets by Marvin and Tammi, however Tammi only appeared on two tracks on the album. According to Marvin Gaye, Valerie Simpson subbed for Tammi, although Valerie Simpson denies this. Regardless, this song became a huge hit in England in early 1970, just shortly after Tammi's death. Here is Marvin Gaye & Valerie Simpson singing the strange, yet enjoyable "onion" song.
Written by: Nicholas Ashford & Valerie Simpson
Produced by: Nicholas Ashford & Valerie Simpson
Arranged by: Paul Riser
Track recorded: January 25, 1969 - originally assigned to Diana Ross & The Supremes
Horns and strings recorded: January 26, 1969
Demo vocal recorded: January 26, 1969
Additional vocal recorded: January 27, 1969
Marvin Gaye's lead vocal recorded: March 15, 1969
vocal recorded: March 17, 1969
****No copyright infringement intended****
