Ain't Nothing Like The Real Thing

Album: You're All I Need (1967)
Charted: 34 8
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • This was written and produced by Nickolas Ashford and Valerie Simpson, who worked on much of the material for Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell. Motown founder Berry Gordy wasn't impressed with the Ashford & Simpson songwriting duo after hearing their breakout hit, Ray Charles' "Let's Go Get Stoned." He told them Motown was all about class acts like Diana Ross, the Temptations and Marvin Gaye. The couple, however, wouldn't take no for an answer. They returned home, locked themselves in a room and didn't emerge until they were ready to wow Gordy with "Ain't Nothing Like The Real Thing."

    The song explains how it's better to have loved ones nearby rather than materialistic items and memories as totems.
  • Shortly after recording this song, Tammi Terrell collapsed onstage during a performance with Gaye in 1967. The diagnosis was a brain tumor. She died March 16, 1970. >>>
    Suggestion credit:
    Laura - Dallas, TX
  • Donnie and Marie Osmond recorded this in 1977. Their version hit #21 in the US.
  • This was used in TV commercials for Just For Men hair coloring and for Mercury vehicles. >>>
    Suggestion credit:
    Bertrand - Paris, France
  • Aretha Franklin recorded this for her 1974 album Let Me In Your Life and won the Grammy Award for Best Female R&B Vocal Performance.

Comments: 3

  • George from Louisville, Ky2 sweet voices putting it all together. Doesn't get any better than that.
  • Camille from Toronto, OhMarvin Gaye & Tammi Terrell---born to sing together. Their voices are like the equivalent vocal candy mixture of peanut butter & chocolate, so sweet and satisfying together! I can still picture Tammi Terrell in her green tent dress from the 60s on the cover of their albumn. Great song. Great albumn.
  • Sara from Silver Spring, MdMichael McDonald also did a version of this on his Motown tribute CD... quite a shame about his duet partner (Marvin's though)
see more comments

Editor's Picks

James Bond Theme Songs

James Bond Theme SongsMusic Quiz

How well do you know the 007 theme songs?

Andy McClusky of OMD

Andy McClusky of OMDSongwriter Interviews

Known in America for the hit "If You Leave," OMD is a huge influence on modern electronic music.

Narada Michael Walden - "Freeway of Love"

Narada Michael Walden - "Freeway of Love"They're Playing My Song

As a songwriter and producer, Narada had hits with Aretha Franklin, Whitney Houston, Mariah Carey and Starship. But what song does he feel had the greatest impact on his career?

Gary Brooker of Procol Harum

Gary Brooker of Procol HarumSongwriter Interviews

The lead singer and pianist for Procol Harum, Gary talks about finding the musical ideas to match the words.

Goodbye, Hello: Ten Farewell Tour Fake-Outs

Goodbye, Hello: Ten Farewell Tour Fake-OutsSong Writing

The 10 biggest "retirement tours" that didn't take.

David Clayton-Thomas of Blood, Sweat & Tears

David Clayton-Thomas of Blood, Sweat & TearsSongwriter Interviews

The longtime BS&T frontman tells the "Spinning Wheel" story, including the line he got from Joni Mitchell.