Here’s an incredible album I’ve had on repeat for weeks: What’s Going On by Marvin Gaye. Released in 1971, this landmark album was born out of a turbulent time in Gaye’s life and career.
Marvin Gaye’s talent was evident early on as he sang in groups during his youth. After dropping out of high school, he briefly joined the Air Force but was discharged after claiming mental illness. He eventually recorded his debut solo album, The Soulful Moods of Marvin Gaye, in 1961. Over the years, Marvin gained traction with his music, particularly through duets with Mary Wells, Kim Weston, and Tammi Terrell. With Tammi, he created timeless hits like “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough,” “Your Precious Love,” “Ain’t Nothing Like the Real Thing,” and “You’re All I Need to Get By.”
Tragically, Tammi collapsed during a performance in 1967 and was later diagnosed with a brain tumor. Her passing in 1970 deeply affected Marvin, along with challenges like a failing marriage, drug issues, financial troubles, and record label disputes. At one point, he even tried to cope by trying out and attempting to play for the Detroit Lions.
Despite these struggles, Marvin found his way back through music. Inspired by a song from a friend’s account of police brutality at an anti-war rally, he created the album What’s Going On, a groundbreaking concept album following a Vietnam War veteran’s return home. The album was hailed as revolutionary and was named the greatest album of all time by Rolling Stone in 2020.
I hope you enjoy this groovy masterpiece!
Song: “What’s Going On”
Artist: Marvin Gaye
Album: What’s Going On
Year: 1971
Mother, mother
There’s too many of you crying
Brother, brother, brother
There’s far too many of you dying
You know we’ve got to find a way
To bring some lovin’ here today, yeah
Father, father
We don’t need to escalate
You see, war is not the answer
For only love can conquer hate
You know we’ve got to find a way
To bring some lovin’ here today
Picket lines and picket signs
Don’t punish me with brutality
Talk to me
So you can see
Oh, what’s going on (What’s going on)
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My name is Michael Sanchez and I’m an avid record collector and obscure song searcher. My goal is to post (hopefully) one song a day that’s been on my stereo/turntable frequently. If you don’t like the song… too bad 🙂 You can just wait for the next one. All the info I find is from wikipedia/youtube/interviews/news articles/personal stories I’ve heard/random googling. Sorry if there are any mistakes.
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