The American Spectator : The Spectacle Blog : Marv Tarplin, R.I.P.

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Marv Tarplin, R.I.P.

By Aaron Goldstein on 10.2.11 @ 12:38AM

Guitarist Marv Tarplin has passed away. As of this writing, his cause of death is unknown. Tarplin was 70.

You might not know Marv Tarplin's name but you probably know Smokey Robinson's name and if you're a fan of Smokey Robinson then you are a fan of Marv Tarplin. For fifty years, Tarplin played guitar alongside Smokey Robinson both with the Miracles and when Robinson became a solo act. Tarplin co-wrote many of Robinson's hits such as "The Tracks of My Tears", "Going to a Go-Go" and "Cruisin'". Tarplin also helped Robinson write "Ain't That Peculiar" and "I'll Be Doggone" for Marvin Gaye. I should note that "Ain't That Peculiar" is my favorite Marvin Gaye song.

On a personal note, I saw Robinson and Tarplin perform at the Ottawa Blues Fest in 1999. The highlight of the show was their performance of "Cruisin'" in which Robinson got the audience to sing along with him as Tarplin let his fingers do their magic. I wish I had video of it. You'll have to take my word.

View all comments (7) | Leave a comment

Inspector Clouseau| 10.2.11 @ 11:09AM

Monsieur Goldstein, if that is your real name, where were you when Monsieur Tarplin mysteriously passed away ?

Hmmmmmmm ?

Mike| 10.2.11 @ 12:46PM

"Ain't that Peculiar" - my favorite MG song too.
I saw Smokey last week, but I don't Tarplin was playing with him.

Aaron Goldstein| 10.2.11 @ 1:13PM

Tarplin retired in 2008.

Dreamer| 10.2.11 @ 9:58PM

I wish I had video of it. You'll have to take my word.

diskojoe| 10.3.11 @ 10:18AM

Marv Tarplin was underrated a guitarist as Curtis Mayfield was, probably because they utlized their talents for the good of the song rather than for showboating like many other guitarists.

diskojoe| 10.3.11 @ 10:18AM

Marv Tarplin was underrated a guitarist as Curtis Mayfield was, probably because they utlized their talents for the good of the song rather than for showboating like many other guitarists.

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