5 Things to Know About Berry Gordy Giving Leon Ware's Songs to Marvin Gaye

Berry Gordy redirected Leon Ware’s songs to Marvin Gaye Motown CEO Berry Gordy took songs Leon Ware had written for his own album and gave them to Marvin Gaye instead.

The result was the album I Want You This decision produced Gaye’s 1976 album I Want You, a landmark soul record.

Ware’s original album was released later Leon Ware’s own album, Musical Massage, came out after Gaye’s version, but it never achieved the same success.

Gordy’s move prioritized label profits over Ware’s career Gaye was a bigger star, so redirecting the material was a business decision that sidelined Ware’s solo ambitions.

The songs fit Gaye’s sensual style perfectly Ware’s material matched the erotic, introspective tone Gaye had established on Let’s Get It On, making the transfer a natural fit.