A self-confessed ‘lover of life & nature’, this singer/producer from a gospel-influenced childhood became the top-selling artist for the Tamla Motown label in the 1960s. His seminal album ‘What’s Going On ?’ (Motown, 1971) made him one of the first Motown producer/artists to become independent as a record-producer. Employing a vast team of in-house songwriters , the album is noted for its’ innovative editing; making use of samples that create a sense of story-telling. The material on the album also featured political & social themes, but he is perhaps most renowned for hits such as ‘Heard It Through The Grapevine’ & ‘Some Kind Of Wonderful’.