Marvin Gaye What's Going On Entry

Prior to the recording of What’s Going On, Marvin Gaye performed with The Moonglows, Motown’s Motortown Revue, and had many solo/duet hits that led to his recognition of being the prince of Motown. Marvin Gaye also worked with artists such as Tammi Terrel, Chuck Berry, and played a handful of instruments including drums and the piano. His music was very soulful and spiritual. Before What’s Going On was released, Marvin attempted to try out for the NFL with the Detroit Lions, but failed to make it on the team. What’s Going On had a different approach of music than his usual song formats.

Social and national concerns around the time What’s Going On was released, influenced it’s lyrical content. These concerns included the Vietnam War, the abuse of drugs, the shooting of Martin Luther King, police brutality, poverty, political corruption, street violence, protesting, riots, and other events that affected Marvin when he was younger. With Marvin’s brother involved with the Vietnam War as well as other occurring events, Marvin Gaye wanted to write songs that reached people about what was going on in the world around them.

One of the main obstacles that Marvin Gaye faced when recording and releasing What’s Going On was his brother in law Berry Gordy. Berry was the CEO for Motown Records and refused to release the album due to the material it portrayed. Berry thought that the song was way too political for radio play and so called it the worst thing that he has ever heard in his life. However, the song was eventually issued without Berry knowing, selling 100,000 copies in one day. It’s success quickly changed Berry’s judgment about the songs on the album.

One main characteristic of Marvin’s album that set it apart from others was it’s overall success and impact on listeners and other artists. The ratings went through the roof and caused many different artists to cover songs from the record. The subject matter of What’s Going On went into a different direction then Marvin Gaye’s previous work, and included accompaniments from the Detroit Symphony Orchestra.

As an industry professional and overall listener, I am extremely impressed by the content on the album. I like the overall arrangement and instrumentation throughout the record and the mood each song sets. The songs are very moving, relaxing, and easy to listen to.