At the age of 13, Klugh was captivated by the guitar playing of Chet Atkins when he made an appearance on the Perry Como Show. He has since been a guest on several Atkins albums. Atkins, reciprocating as well, joined Earl on his Magic In Your Eyes album. Klugh was also influenced by Bob James, Ray Parker Jr, Wes Montgomery and Laurindo Almeida. His sound is a blend of these jazz, pop and rhythm' and blues influences, forming a potpourri of sweet contemporary music original to only him.
Klugh became a guitar instructor at the young age of 15, and was eventually discovered by Yusef Lateef. His career rapidly progressed to working with the likes of George Benson, George Shearing, Chick Corea, and many others. Like several other Detroit-bred entertainers, Klugh attended Mumford High School (Michigan).
For their album One on One, Klugh and Bob James received a Grammy award for Best Pop Instrumental Performance of 1981. He has since received 13 Grammy nods, millions of record and CD sales, and continues touring worldwide to this day.
I
Earl Klugh Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
We'll sigh goodbye to all we ever had
Alone where we have walked together
I'll remember April and be glad
I'll be content you loved me once in April
Your lips were warm and love and spring were new
I'm not afraid of autumn and her sorrow
The fire will dwindle into glowing ashes
For flames live such a little while
I won't forget but I won't be lonely
I'll remember April and smile
The lyrics of "I Heard It Through the Grapevine" by Earl Klugh detail the shock and heartache of discovering that a loved one is planning to leave. The song's protagonist has heard through the proverbial grapevine that his partner is planning to leave him for someone else. The song takes the form of a plea to the partner to be honest about their intentions and whether they plan to stay or leave. The singer cannot believe that the person he loves is planning to leave him for someone else, and he is struggling to accept this reality. The song's lyrics also touch on the themes of trust and communication.
One interesting fact about the song is that it was originally written by Norman Whitfield and Barrett Strong for Motown Records, and was famously recorded by Marvin Gaye in 1968. The song has since been covered by numerous artists from a range of genres, including Creedence Clearwater Revival, Gladys Knight & the Pips, and Diana Ross. Despite its enduring popularity, Earl Klugh's instrumental version of the song is one of relatively few instrumental covers.
"I Heard It Through the Grapevine" has been featured in a wide range of films and television shows, including "The Big Chill" (1983), "Platoon" (1986), and "The Simpsons" (multiple episodes). The song is also referenced in the titles of several works, including a novel by Patrick Neate and a play by Dominic Cooke.
Other interesting facts about the song include the fact that it was the best-selling record of 1969 for Motown Records, and that it has been inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame. The song's distinctive guitar riff has been sampled by many hip-hop and R&B artists, including Kanye West and Rihanna. Finally, Earl Klugh's version of the song features a memorable guitar solo that has become a signature part of the song's appeal.
Chords: E, A, B7 (verse); E, A, E, A, B7, E (chorus)
Line by Line Meaning
I bet you're wonderin' how I knew
I believe you're curious about how I found out
'Bout your plans to make me blue
About your intention to sadden me
With some other guy you knew before
With another man you previously knew
Between the two of us guys
Amongst you and me, guys
You know I loved you more
You're aware that I loved you more
It took me by surprise I must say
I have to confess it was a shock to me
When I found out yesterday
When I discovered it yesterday
Don't you know that I heard it through the grapevine
You're aware that I heard it through a secret channel
Not much longer would you be mine
I won't have you for so long anymore
Oh I heard it through the grapevine
Oh, they told me through the secret channel
Oh I'm just about to lose my mind
Oh, I'm almost losing my sanity
Honey, honey yeah.
Endearingly, honey
I heard it through the grapevine
I heard through the secret channel
Not much longer would you be mine baby
You won't be mine for long, baby
I know a man ain't supposed to cry
I acknowledge that men aren't meant to cry
But these tears I can't hold inside
Yet I can't stop these tears from spilling
Losin' you would end my life you see
Losing you would make me complete my life, you see
'Cause you mean that much to me
Because you signify a lot to me
You could have told me yourself
You had the chance to inform me yourself
That you loved someone else
That you had affections for someone else
Instead I heard it through the grapevine
Instead, I found out through a secret channel
And I'm just about to lose my mind
And I'm about to lose my sanity
People say believe half of what you see
Folks say you need to believe only half of what you see
Son and none of what you hear
And not any of what you hear
But I can't help but be confused
But I'm still mixed up
If it's true please tell me dear
If it's real, please reveal it, dear
Do you plan to let me go
Do you intend to release me
For the other guy you loved before?
For the other guy you previously loved?
Not much longer would you be mine, baby yeah
You won't be mine for long, baby, yeah
I'm just about to love my mind
I'm about to lose my sanity
Honey, honey, yeah
Endearingly, honey
Not much longer would you be mine, baby yeah
You won't be mine for long, baby, yeah
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: DON RAYE, GENE DE PAUL, PATRICIA JOHNSTON
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
negunal
00:00 Dream Come True
03:34 Long Ago (And Far Away)
08:58 Balladina
12:13 Like a Lover
14:52 Living Inside Your Love
20:29 For the Love of You
26:23 If It's in Your Heart (It's in Your Smile)
30:25 Calypso Getaway
33:39 Dance with Me
37:01 Catherine
41:04 Crazy for You
45:07 Doc
49:50 I'm Ready for Your Love
53:08 Jamaica Farewell
56:30 Summer Song
Nate Box360
00:00 Dream Come True
03:34 Long Ago (And Far Away)
08:58 Balladina
12:13 Like a Lover
14:52 Living Inside Your Love
20:29 For the Love of You
26:23 If It's in Your Heart (It's in Your Smile)
30:25 Calypso Getaway
33:39 Dance with Me
37:01 Catherine
41:04 Crazy for you
45:07 Doc
49:50 I'm ready for your love
53:08 Jamaica Farewell
56:30 Summer Song
Tina Ab
I am literally crying as I listen to this music.. Been with my husband over 50 years who introduced me to Earl Klugh , when we were married .. loved him to bits.. recently passed away and came upon this music.. in tears but listening to this music because I miss him soo much, but somehow this brings me comfort because I can feel him around me… thank you
grimreaper20019 killer
@02bher1 kjjhh
Luigi
Love is eternal, he is with you. Believe!
Hebrew Sistah
🙏🏾❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
Eri Kurniawan
He will be around , enjoy
Rick Bofinger
That is one sweet memory. Music is a major emotional platform to start with, add to it the pleasant memories of a sweet relationship, and who would not shed a tear. Cry on with gratefulness!
Elvie Dulay
Earl Klugh introduced me to the world of jazz music in the 70s, my college days. Now, this album is the favorite playlist of my 3- month old granddaughter Naomi. So relaxing that it puts her to sleep instead of the baby lullabies.She sleeps soundly for hours with this music playing. Thank you for sharing.
Eri Kurniawan
Good to read your nice story ,so sweet
Lillian Mariga
This is so beautiful i love jazz
wtperez
I first heard Earl's guitar while in the military in 1978. "Magic in your eyes" blew me away. Was playing that song in my car and a fellow asks me , who is that? Earl Klugh , my man I said. Mind you 40 years later his music is still fresh. His and Benson's collaboration a must have in anyones collection.