Marv Tarplin facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Marv Tarplin
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| Background information | |
| Birth name | Marvin Tarplin |
| Born | June 13, 1941 Atlanta, Georgia, U.S. |
| Died | September 30, 2011 (aged 70) Las Vegas, Nevada, U.S. |
| Genres | Soul |
| Occupation(s) | Musician, songwriter |
| Instruments | Guitar |
| Years active | 1958–2008 |
| Labels | Motown |
| Associated acts | The Miracles |
Marvin Tarplin (born June 13, 1941 – died September 30, 2011) was an American musician. He was best known as the amazing guitarist for the famous music group, The Miracles, from the 1950s to the early 1970s. Marv was one of the first members of the group. He also helped write some of their biggest hit songs, like "The Tracks of My Tears" from 1965. This song was even added to the Grammy Hall of Fame!
Marv won awards like the BMI Songwriter's Award and the ASCAP Award Of Merit. After he passed away, he was honored by being added to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame with The Miracles in 2012.
Contents
Marv Tarplin's Life and Music
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Marv Tarplin was often called The Miracles' "secret weapon" because of his special guitar playing. He started his music journey by playing with a group of teenage girls called the Primettes. These girls later became the famous group, The Supremes.
The Primettes were trying to get an audition with Motown Records. Marv played guitar for them when they performed for Smokey Robinson, who was the lead singer of The Miracles. Smokey was very impressed by Marv's guitar skills. In 1958, he asked Marv to join The Miracles instead of playing with the Primettes.
Other members of The Miracles, like Pete Moore and Bobby Rogers, said that Marv's guitar style was like the great Curtis Mayfield. They also said his playing inspired many of their biggest hits. For example, the guitar part at the beginning of "The Tracks of My Tears" is one of the most famous in pop music history! This song sold millions and is in the Grammy Hall of Fame.
Marv stayed with The Miracles as long as Smokey Robinson was their lead singer. He helped write many of their hit songs. Besides "The Tracks of My Tears", he co-wrote "My Girl Has Gone" (1965), "I Like It Like That" (1964), "Going to a Go-Go" (1965), "The Love I Saw in You Was Just a Mirage" (1967), and "Point It Out" (1968).
Marv also worked with other famous Motown artists. He helped write songs for Marvin Gaye, like the big hits "Ain't That Peculiar" and "I'll Be Doggone". His guitar playing was also featured on Marvin Gaye's "One More Heartache" and "Take This Heart of Mine". He played on The Four Tops' song "Still Water (Love)" and The Marvelettes' "My Baby Must Be a Magician".
You might have seen Marv Tarplin on TV! He appeared with The Miracles on The Ed Sullivan Show and in the 1964 film, The T.A.M.I. Show. He also performed with the group in concerts all over the world. He even appeared on the TV special Motown 25: Yesterday, Today, Forever in 1983.
Marv left The Miracles in 1973, shortly after Smokey Robinson also left the group. But Marv and Smokey kept working together! They wrote more songs for Smokey's solo career, like "Cruisin'" (1979–1980) and "Being with You" (1981). Marv continued to play guitar for Smokey's recordings and concerts until 2008.
Joining the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
On February 9, 2012, just five months after Marv Tarplin passed away, it was announced that he would be added to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. He was inducted with the rest of The Miracles, alongside lead singer Smokey Robinson. The official ceremony happened on April 14, 2012.
This special induction happened because a committee decided that the entire group should have been inducted when Smokey Robinson was first honored in 1987. So, after a 26-year wait, Marv and the other original Miracles members – Bobby Rogers, Pete Moore, Claudette Robinson, and Ronnie White – were finally recognized for their amazing contributions to music.
Later Years
Marv Tarplin passed away in his Las Vegas home on September 30, 2011, at the age of 70. He had three daughters named Talese, Lisa, and Eboney.
Songs Marv Tarplin Wrote
Marv Tarplin wrote music for many songs, including some big hits for Motown. Here are a few examples:
- "Why Do Memories Hurt So Bad" by Smokey Robinson (1987)
- "Baby I'm Glad Things Worked Out So Well" by Marvin Gaye
- "Lost For Words" by The Four Tops
Awards and Honors
Marv Tarplin received many awards for his talent:
- He won the BMI Songwriters Award multiple times.
- He won "The Award Of Merit" from The ASCAP for helping to write "The Tracks of My Tears".
- The British music magazine Mojo named Marv as one of the '100 Greatest Guitarists of All Time'.
- The Miracles, including Marv, received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on March 20, 2009.
- Marv and The Miracles were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2012.
See also
In Spanish: Marv Tarplin para niños
