1. Harvey Fuqua is notable as one of the key figures in the development of the Motown label in Detroit, Michigan.
17 Facts About Harvey Fuqua
1. 2.
Harvey Fuqua's group gave Marvin Gaye a start in his music career.
3.
Harvey Fuqua later sold Anna Records to Gwen's brother Berry Gordy and became a songwriter and executive at Motown.
4.
Harvey Fuqua was the nephew of Charlie Fuqua of the Ink Spots.
5.
When recording for Chess Records, Harvey Fuqua initially shared lead vocals with Lester, but eventually asserted himself as the leader of the group.
6.
Harvey Fuqua left the Moonglows when Leonard Chess suggested that he join Anna Records in Detroit.
7.
At Anna Records, Harvey Fuqua began working with Anna Gordy, Billy Davis, Lamont Dozier and Johnny Bristol.
8.
Harvey Fuqua introduced Marvin Gaye to Anna's brother, Berry Gordy, and married their sister Gwen Gordy.
9.
However, tiring of running a small independent label, Harvey Fuqua welcomed the opportunity to work at Motown; he was hired to head the label's Artist Development department and worked as a producer for the company.
10.
Harvey Fuqua brought the Spinners and Johnny Bristol to Motown and co-produced several hits for Bristol.
11.
Harvey Fuqua was responsible for bringing Tammi Terrell to the label and for suggesting and producing her duets with Marvin Gaye, including "Ain't No Mountain High Enough" and "Your Precious Love".
12.
In 1962, with the Five Quails, Harvey Fuqua had a minor hit with "Been a Long Time".
13.
Around 1971, Harvey Fuqua left Motown and obtained a production deal with RCA Records, for which he had particular success with the band New Birth.
14.
Harvey Fuqua served as a trustee of the Rhythm and Blues Foundation.
15.
Harvey Fuqua co-wrote one of the most famous disco instrumentals, "K-Jee", recorded originally by The Nite-liters, from which New Birth was an offshoot band, and then Philadelphia session musicians MFSB for the movie Saturday Night Fever.
16.
Harvey Fuqua resided in Las Vegas, Nevada, until his death from a heart attack in a hospital in Detroit on July 6,2010.
17.
Harvey Fuqua was unable to pay more than $20,000, and thus Sylvester never received most of the money that was legally owed to him.