Elgie Stover facts for kids

Elgie Rousseau Stover (born September 12, 1938 – died July 11, 2011) was an American songwriter, composer, and music producer. He also sang background vocals. He is most famous for his work with his cousin Harvey Fuqua and the legendary singer Marvin Gaye. Elgie helped write two songs on Marvin Gaye's very important 1971 album, What's Going On.

Who Was Elgie Stover?

Elgie Stover was born in Athens, Georgia, in 1938. He grew up in Cleveland, Ohio. Later, he and his brother Kenneth moved to Detroit. There, they worked closely with their cousin, Harvey Fuqua. Harvey had his own music company called Tri-Phi Records.

Joining Motown Records

In the late 1960s, Elgie and Kenneth became friends with people from Motown. Motown was a very famous record label. Soon after, the brothers signed with Motown. They became staff songwriters and producers for the company.

Working with Marvin Gaye

Elgie Stover's most well-known work came from his close friendship and collaboration with Marvin Gaye. Elgie and Kenneth became friends with Marvin shortly after they joined Motown.

In 1970, Stover helped write a classic song called "The Bells" for the group The Originals. He wrote it with Marvin, Marvin's wife Anna, and Iris Gordy.

Contributions to What's Going On

A year later, Elgie made his biggest contributions. He helped write "Flying High in the Friendly Sky" and "God is Love" for Marvin Gaye's album What's Going On. You can also hear Elgie's voice at the very beginning of the famous song "What's Going On". He says "hey man, what's happening?" and "everything is everything."

Later, in 1973, Stover also helped write Marvin Gaye's song "Just to Keep You Satisfied". You can even hear Elgie shouting and screaming on an early recording of Marvin's hit song "Distant Lover". This was from a session in November 1970, when Marvin was having discussions with Motown about releasing the "What's Going On" single.

Later Life and Passing

In his later years, Elgie Stover worked as a caterer. He provided food for important people, including former President Bill Clinton and his security team.

Elgie Stover passed away on July 11, 2011. He died at Hilton Head Hospital in Hilton Head Island, South Carolina. He was survived by his wife, Emma Jones, his sons David, Monroe, and LaDell, his daughters Terri and Tonya, and his sister Alma.