Danny Joseph, among the top five contestants on The Voice Season 26, stuns the judges and viewers with his powerful rendition of ‘I Heard It Through the Grapevine.’ The 37-year-old London native sings the song, written by Norman Whitfield and Barrett Strong, with a rock sound—more like that of Creedence Clearwater Revival’s John Fogarty than Marvin Gaye. And, straight scoop? He does it fabulously!

The concept for ‘I Heard It Through the Grapevine’ came to Barrett Strong when he was writing in Chicago. While walking down Michigan Avenue one day, he got to thinking about the fact that people often used that expression, and he decided to develop it into a song. The result was a sad song about a guy who learns, through the rumor mill, that his girlfriend is cheating on him.

Though Danny makes a few slight word changes, here are four lines from verse two of ‘I Heard It Through the Grapevine:’

‘I know a man ain't supposed to cry

But these tears, I can't hold inside

Losing you would end my life, you see

'Cause you mean that much to me’

As the music starts, Michael Bublé says aloud, “Oh, yeah, baby. Mm, mm!” That’s a great way to begin! Danny’s performance has the attention of the judges throughout. He is super expressive and has great stage presence and style. His fingers are covered with rings, and he wears a gold blazer and brown boots. Some might get David Arguette or Matt Dillon vibes from the cool, mustached musician. 

Reba’s contestant gets an affirming eyebrow raise from Gwen and has Michael and Snoop Dogg singing along and grooving in their seats. A long, raspy note at 1:39 delights Reba, and her smile says that she thinks she might have the winner! 

Danny goes into a guitar solo at 1:40, and it ends at 2:05. His guitar is reminiscent of the 1970, 11-minute CCR recording of the song; the song was one of the few the group recorded but did not write themselves. At one point during Danny’s journey on The Voice, he asked if he should “lose the guitar,” to which Reba said, “Oh, heck no. That guitar’s a part of you!”

At the conclusion of the guitar solo, Danny’s three backup singers have spread out behind him. He takes the microphone back, and now two of the judges are on their feet. He delivers an exciting finish. What’s not to love? A great song—the Marvin Gaye version was ranked 119 on  Rolling Stones’ 2021 List of The 500 Greatest Songs of All Time—and a dynamic performer. 

Danny Joseph moved to the United States in 2015. He lives with his wife of nine years and his three children in Dallas, Texas.  

“Without wood a fire goes out; without a gossip a quarrel dies down.” Proverbs 26:20