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" Can I Get a Witness " is a 1963 hit song by Marvin Gaye on the Tamla ( Motown ) label.

Written and produced by Motown songwriting and producing team Holland – Dozier – Holland, the song was built among gospel-styled music and heralded Gaye's beginnings in the church with a rhythm and blues / rock and roll setting.

The song featured Gaye on piano, playing a boogie pattern, The Funk Brothers, and members of The Supremes in the background accompanying Gaye.

The song became a hit in both the U. S. and the United Kingdom, and British musicians Lulu, Dusty Springfield, The Rolling Stones, Sam Brown and Steampacket ( which featured a very young Rod Stewart ) recorded cover versions of the song.

Gaye's version peaked at # 22 on the Hot 100 chart and its title soon became a catchphrase.

Lee Michaels ' 1971 version reached # 39 on the Hot 100 ; both his and Gaye's versions peaked during Christmas week.