Marvin Gaye's 'Got to Give It Up' Hits No. 1 49 Years Ago, Named No. 3 Summer Song

In 1977, iconic R&B singer Marvin Gaye finally caved to pressure from his record label to record a disco song. Gaye, who wasn't fond of the musical genre sweeping America, set out to make a disco parody.

The result was "Got to Give It Up," which not only wound up reaching the top of the Billboard Hot 100, but also became an inspiration to Michael Jackson and a host of other major artists.

"Got to Give It Up" hit No. 1 on the Hot 100 49 years ago today, June 25, 1977. In 2022, the classic track was named the No. 3 summer song of all time by Rolling Stone.

Immediate results

Maybe Gaye wasn't expecting much of his first foray into disco, but "Got to Give It Up" impressed audiences and critics right away.

"From his live album done in London, this highly infectious tune features Gaye's vocals over throbbing drums and street jive noise that has a sound just right for the disco, and tailor made for an upbeat mood. Strong R&B appeal, top 40 possibilities," wrote Cash Box at the time.

In addition to reaching No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100, the song shot to the top of the Hot Soul Singles and National Disco Action charts. "Got to Give It Up" also cracked the top 10 in Canada and the United Kingdom.

An all-time summer hit

Rolling Stone's 2022 ranking of the 50 Best Summer Songs of All Time slotted "Got to Give It Up" at No. 3 behind Martha & The Vandellas "Dancing in the Street" and "Good Times" by Chic.

The outlet called Gaye's disco track "perfect for any backyard cookout."

"Soul music's tortured prince goes disco by figuring out how to make heavy funk light on its feet," Rolling Stone wrote. "It is impossible not to move to this 1977 jam, especially because it is about a shy dude afraid of the world until he hits the dancefloor."

This story was originally published by Men's Journal on Jun 25, 2026, where it first appeared in the Entertainment section. Add Men's Journal as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

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This story was originally published June 25, 2026 at 11:45 AM.