CALIFORNIA SOUL

'"California Soul"' is a pop-soul tune written by Ashford & Simpson, issued originally as a single by American pop quintet The Fifth Dimension in 1969 and covered by Motown vocal duo Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell the same year and was the duo's last single together when released in early 1970.
Both the Fifth Dimension's version and the Gaye/Terrell version were modest charted hits with the original performing better, reaching number twenty-five on the pop singles chart, while Marvin and Tammi's cover reached number fifty-six pop and never charted R&B. The Marvin and Tammi version was released after Terrell's tragic death from a brain tumor in March of 1970.
The song was a socially conscious-type of song advocating love and peace.
Bluenote singer Marlena Shaw also did a version of the song, which has featured in many remixes.

Contents

Credits

The Fifth Dimension version

Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell version

Credits

The Fifth Dimension version

★ All vocals by The Fifth Dimension: Billy Davis, Jr., Marilyn McCoo, Florence LaRue, Lamonte McLemore and Ron Townson

★ Produced and written by Ashford & Simpson

Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell version

★ All vocals by Marvin Gaye & Tammi Terrell/Valerie Simpson

★ Produced and written by Ashford & Simpson

★ Instrumentation by The Funk Brothers