Marvin Gaye - What's Going On (Week 2)

For this blog post, I'll be discussing Marvin Gaye's album, What's Going On. For organizational purposes and for you to gain a better knowledge of exactly what I'll be covering, I will be answering the following questions:

1. Describe the music and image of Marvin Gaye prior to the recording of What’s Going On 

Marvin Gaye was not a stranger to success prior to the recording of What's Going On. He had gained the reputation of a "sophisticated crooner," (Perrone, P.). Gaye, like any other artist on Motown Record Label, was also victim to the "Motown sound;" that is, acceptable, straight hit songs that simply satisfy the listener. The next few years of business conflicts, managerial fist fights, and artist/label protests would ultimately become what is known as What's Going On.

2. Discuss what social and national concerns influenced the lyrical content of What’s Going On

The most influential factor behind What's Going On was Marvin Gaye's brother, Frankie, and his involvement in the Vietnam War which opened up Gaye's eyes to the social climate around him. For the first time, he was able to see a world of racism and political chaos; a country that drafted colored people to fight a white man's war. For the first time, he really question, what's going on?

3. Explain the obstacles faced by Marvin Gaye to get What’s Going On recorded and released

Initially, it was planned that What's Going On would not be released. After showing Berry Gordy (founder of Motown Record Label), Gordy recalls saying that it was "the worst thing I've ever heard in my life" (Ben Edmonds). At this point, Gaye was pretty familiar with this process - his prior records, Grapevine and Baby I'm For Real had both been rejected as well (Ben Edmonds). But just as Motown was ultimately forced to release these records, Gaye was determined to see through the release of What's Going On - he refused to sing or perform until its release. When it finally was released without Gordy's knowledge, it sold over 100,000 copies in one day (Workouts, T. T.).

4. Discuss a minimum of two characteristics of the What’s Going On album that set it apart from other soul recordings of the mid 1960s and 70s e.g. the contrast between the typical Motown releases and What’s Going On, production quality, instrumentation, studio musicians, lyrical themes, etc.

The main thing that separates What's Going On from other Motown releases is simple: love. Motown had been making a living off of hateful messages and "bad" artist images for quite some time, so for an artist to begin to spread the love out of a scene like this was odd. Another unique aspect was the 

5. What impression does What’s Going On have on you as a listener and as an industry professional?

As an industry professional, I have nothing but respect for Marvin Gaye and What's Going On. Apart from the stellar performances given by Gaye and his accompanying musicians, the attitude put forth through this record is inspiring. Not only did Marvin Gaye almost single-handedly define a generation, but he proved that the power doesn't belong to those in authority, but to those who want it most.

Thanks again, and if you'd like to read more, check out my references tab at the top!

-Matthew Morrison