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Marv Tarplin, Motown Legend and Smokey Robinson Guitarist, Dies at 70

Marv TarplinMichael Ochs Archives

Motown guitarist and songwriter Marv Tarplin, died last Friday (Sept. 30) at his Las Vegas home from unknown causes, the New York Times reports. He was 70.

Tarplin was best known as the guitarist for Smokey Robinson and the Miracles, and was often referred to by the band as their "the secret weapon." Tarplin co-wrote several of the Miracles' hits including 'The Tracks of My Tears,' which was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame. He purportedly wrote the song while rearranging chords to a calypso he'd heard Harry Belafonte perform.

Tarplin was born in Atlanta and later moved to Detroit with his family, where his guitar skills improved. He originally came to the Motown label as the guitar player for the Primettes, a young girl group, who would later become the Supremes. Robinson was so taken by his talent for guitar that he eventually snared him for the Miracles.

Mr. Tarplin also worked with Marvin Gaye on several songs including 'Ain't That Peculiar' and 'I'll Be Doggone.' He continued to collaborate closely with Smokey Robinson throughout his career until retiring from touring in 2008.

Marv Tarplin is survived by three daughters.

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RICH

Smokey and the miracles, now that's a super group. Rest in peace

October 06 2011 at 6:51 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
danielbcrowley

Please ask Marvin- Whats Going On ?

October 06 2011 at 5:50 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
russellmgm

Thanks for sharing your music, Marv. You're from an era when music was performed by musicians who could play their instruments and singers who could really sing. They didn't have to rely on profanity, digital drum tracks and degradation to get a point across. Our lives are scripted to music and I'm so glad mine was scripted to yours. God bless you, and say hello to all the other legends up there in the firmament. Ya'll have a great jam session!

October 06 2011 at 4:00 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
danielbcrowley

I am a 42 year old caucasion who grew up just outside of Detroit and lived in the city as an adult . Even though this music was before my time I grew up listening to Motown and these songs along with Marvin Gaye , The Temptation and others are part of me . Their magic penetrated my heart and my soul ! Even now, having relocated almost ten years ago I'll be in a grocery store or anywhere and I'll hear one playing and I cant help but close my eyes and be transported back in time . These guys were true artists in the sense that it wasnt about the money and nothing since even comes close . Thank You for your priceless gift to the world !

October 06 2011 at 3:32 AM Report abuse +1 rate up rate down Reply
Billy & Anna

That was GREAT music while dating during high school and, college but, don't tell my wife!

October 06 2011 at 12:03 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Fishgirl

RIP

October 05 2011 at 11:32 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
SignGuyDino

"I'll be doggone" was one of my wife's favorites.

October 05 2011 at 11:19 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
brennemanbelkin

Major talent. RIP Mr. Tarplin.

October 05 2011 at 10:40 PM Report abuse +1 rate up rate down Reply
Welcome Carol

HI

October 05 2011 at 10:10 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Steve C

RIP Marv! Loved your track on "I'll Be Doggone"

October 05 2011 at 9:18 PM Report abuse +1 rate up rate down Reply