Harvey Fuqua, born July 27, 1929, in Louisville, Kentucky, and passed away on July 6, 2010, in Detroit, Michigan, was a foundational figure in R&B and soul music. As the leader of The Moonglows, he co-wrote and sang hits like “Sincerely” (1954), influencing doo-wop and early rock and roll.
His work as a producer and executive at Motown, mentoring artists like Marvin Gaye and producing hits for Tammi Terrell and The Spinners, helped shape the label’s sound.
Fuqua also founded Anna, Tri-Phi, and Harvey Records, and later produced Marvin Gaye’s Grammy-winning “Sexual Healing.” These 15 quotes—sourced from Moonglows’ lyrics, interviews, and contextual statements about his career—reflect his passion for music, mentorship, and innovation in the face of industry challenges.
15 Harvey Fuqua Quotes
- “Sincerely, oh yes, sincerely, ‘cause I love you so dearly, please say you’ll be mine.” (Song, “Sincerely,” The Moonglows, 1954)
- “Music was my way of building something lasting, something that could touch souls.” (Interview, quoted in Soul Music: The Pulse of the People by Nelson George, 2007)
- “Ten commandments of love, I’ll obey them, for you, my heart’s yours to command.” (Song, “Ten Commandments of Love,” Harvey and The Moonglows, 1958)
- “I saw Marvin Gaye’s talent raw, and I knew he’d be a star if I could guide him right.” (Interview, quoted in Motown: The Sound of Young America by Adam White, 2019)
- “At Motown, it wasn’t just about hits; it was about creating a family that made music history.” (Interview, quoted in The Billboard Book of American Singing Groups by Jay Warner, 1996)
- “If I can’t have you, my heart will break in two, ‘cause you’re the one I love.” (Song, “If I Can’t Have You,” with Etta James, Chess Records, 1960)
- “Starting my own labels was tough, but I wanted artists to have a voice, not just a contract.” (Interview, quoted in R&B in the 1950s by Lynn McKnight, 2000)
- “The Moonglows were about harmony—not just in our voices, but in our dreams.” (Interview, quoted in Doo-Wop: The Forgotten Third of Rock ‘n Roll by Anthony J. Gribin, 1992)
- “See saw, love’s a game we play, up and down, but I’ll stay.” (Song, “See Saw,” The Moonglows, 1956)
- “Producing ‘Sexual Healing’ with Marvin was like capturing lightning—it was pure magic.” (Interview, quoted in Marvin Gaye: What’s Going On and the Last Days by Ben Edmonds, 2001)
- “We go together, like the moon and the stars, our love will never part.” (Song, “We Go Together,” The Moonglows, 1956)
- “Mentoring young artists like The Spinners was about teaching them to believe in their own sound.” (Interview, quoted in The History of Motown by Virginia Aronson, 2001)
- “The music business could break you, but I kept pushing because the songs were worth it.” (Interview, quoted in Rock and Roll: An Introduction by Michael Campbell, 2004)
- “Spoonful of love, that’s all I need, to keep my heart from crying.” (Song, “Spoonful,” with Etta James, Chess Records, 1961)
- “Every record I made was a chance to tell a story, to make someone feel alive.” (Interview, quoted in Soul Tracks, 2010)
Harvey Fuqua’s quotes, infused with the soulful grit of The Moonglows and his Motown legacy, reflect a life dedicated to music, mentorship, and creative freedom. Which one resonates with you? Drop it in the comments and keep the R&B spirit alive!
Emma Thompson
Hi, I'm Emma Thompson, founder of MyLittleDesire. I share relationship advice, love quotes, and thoughtful gift ideas to help you express your feelings and strengthen your bonds. Let's celebrate love together!
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