El DeBarge Originally Wrote “All This Love” for Marvin Gaye, But Motown Reportedly Stopped It From Happening
#NOLAZINE - One of R&B's most beloved classics, “All This Love” by DeBarge, has a fascinating backstory involving two legendary voices in soul music: El DeBarge and Marvin Gaye.
According to the story shared by El DeBarge, he originally wrote the timeless record with Marvin Gaye in mind, hoping the Motown legend would record the song. However, Motown Records reportedly prevented the opportunity from happening, and El was allegedly led to believe that Marvin didn't like the record.
Years later, El reportedly learned the truth through Marvin Gaye's wife, Jan Gaye, who revealed that Marvin actually loved the song. According to her account, Marvin played the record repeatedly and even appreciated El DeBarge's vocal style, which was heavily influenced by his own soulful delivery.
The revelation made the story even more remarkable because El had spent years believing that one of his biggest musical inspirations had rejected his work.
Released in 1982, “All This Love” became one of DeBarge's signature hits, helping establish the group as one of Motown's most memorable R&B acts.
Although fans never got the opportunity to hear Marvin Gaye's interpretation of the record, the story highlights the musical connection between two extraordinary talents.
Imagine how “All This Love” would have sounded with Marvin Gaye singing it. Would it have become an even bigger classic?
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