Marvin Gaye
ListenHey Little School Girl · 1957
The Marquees — “Hey Little School Girl,” the 1957 recording.
Listen on YouTube ↗
1957 · Okeh Records
Hey Little School Girl / Wyatt Earp
Before Motown, Marvin Gaye sang harmony with the Marquees in Washington, D.C. Their 1957 Okeh single places him in a vocal group helped onto record by Bo Diddley, with Reese Palmer singing lead. [1] [2]
| Accession | OMMA-0069 |
|---|---|
| Artist | The Marquees (with Marvin Gaye) |
| Release | 1957 · United States |
| Label | Okeh Records · 4-7096 |
| Format | 7-inch vinyl single · 45 rpm · mono |
| Issue | White-label radio promotional pressing |
| Runouts | Not documented |
| Recorded grade | NM |
Release history and significance
After returning to Washington in 1957, Gaye joined the Marquees’ round of school assemblies, sock hops and local performances. Bo Diddley took an interest in the young singers and helped them make this single. A national record release grew from that local performing life. [2]
The label credits Diddley under his birth name, Ellas McDaniel, as conductor on “Hey Little School Girl”; Joe Sherman is credited on “Wyatt Earp.” The vocal group includes Reese Palmer, James Nolan, Chester Simmons and Marvin Gaye. Gaye sings within the harmony rather than taking the lead. [1]
The record did not become a hit, but the group’s next connection proved important. Harvey Fuqua recruited the Marquees as a new line-up of the Moonglows. Gaye’s work with Fuqua eventually took him to Detroit and a solo career at Motown. This single preserves the earlier group setting in which he learned his trade. [2]
Market context
Discogs sales for the white-label promotional edition range from US$4 to US$35, with a median of US$19.01, as listed on 13 September 2026. The latest recorded sale was 29 November 2025. [1]
Physical Description
A black vinyl single with white Okeh promotional labels marked “Special Record — Not For Sale,” housed in a generic sleeve. Printed label identifiers are JZSP 42493 for “Hey Little School Girl” and JZSP 42492 for “Wyatt Earp.” [1]
Condition
The disc is graded Near Mint. Labels show minor storage wear without writing or conspicuous spindle wear.
Provenance
Acquired through Discogs from seller Desertshorerecords on 28 November 2025.
Sources
- Discogs, The Marquees — Hey Little School Girl / Wyatt Earp, release 3526298. Okeh promotional issue, personnel, label identifiers and sales history.
- Michigan Rock and Roll Legends Hall of Fame, Marvin Gaye. Washington performances, Bo Diddley’s involvement and the move to Harvey Fuqua’s Moonglows.
Catalogue text reviewed 13 September 2026.