How Sweet It Is (To Be Loved By You) (1975) 6/27/20

During the '60s, the Motown songwriting trio of Holland-Dozier-Holland (Brian-Lamont-Eddie) wrote dozens of hits for just about everyone signed to the label: The Miracles, The Supremes, The Temptations, The Four Tops, Martha and the Vandellas, Mary Wells and, of course, Marvin Gaye.

In 1964, Marvin took one of their Great Songs, “How Sweet It Is (To Be Loved By You"), to #3 on Billboard's R&B chart and #6 on the Hot 100.

In 1966, another Motown group, Junior Walker & the All Stars, ALSO took the song to #3 on the R&B Chart.

Skip to 1975.

James Taylor decided to give it a try, and he asked his wife at the time, Carly Simon, to sing harmony with him. It was a romantic gesture, but it was also a great idea. Their voices complemented each other amazingly well, and radio listeners loved their “sweet” take on it.

In fact, their version was the highest charting of the 3: #1 on Billboard's Adult Contemporary Chart, and #5 on the Hot 100. In Canada, it was even bigger, going to #1 on both the AC Chart and the Top 40!

Holland-Dozier-Holland was 3 for 3, with “How Sweet It Is (To Be Loved By You): A “Great Song of the '60s...and '70s!”

James & Carly:

Marvin Gaye:

Jr. Walker & The All Stars: