What’s Going On

Marvin Gaye…known for his smooth, spiritual like vocals, that put you in a chill state. Marvin Gaye is responsible for some of the R&B soul type genres we have today. Gaye was signed under Motown Record Corporation along with other amazing talented artist. “Artists such as The Jackson Five, The Supremes, and Smokey Robinson contributed to Motown Records success. Berry Gordy Jr. the head of the record label had his view on what was the overall sound of   Motown Records. Gordy was the reason for that specific musical foundation. Gaye started to question his musical role at Motown Records. Marvin went through a massive change in life with the death of his close friend. That close friend Marvin lost was Tammi Terrell in which he did multiple duets with. You might be familiar with songs like ”Ain’t No Mountain High Enough” and “Your Precious Love “defines the close relationship they had as a duo. Marvin’s brother at the time served time in the Vietnam War. His brother conflicted with being drafted. Another part of the problem was that he a black male sent to fight for a country that didn’t except him and others African Americans. Political, Racial, and Personal problems were causing Gaye to fall into a depression state. Along comes Obie Benson of the Four Tops he offers Gaye a song by the name of “What’s going on “The song was perfect for what surround Marvin’s life. Gaye chose to produce the song. The way he produced the song was unlike average producers. Gaye actually mingled with the musicians. The song was recorded in a studio in Motown, but Gordy didn’t like it. Gordy refused the release under Motown Records. He claimed, “The song was too political and weird.” So in return Gaye refused to record any more music for Motown. Gordy came to the realization that it was a good song. So the single was released under Motown Records in January of 71.The characteristics that differentiated “What’s going on “ from other songs in the sixty’s is talking about the current problems that people felt nationwide. As a listener it has a massive effect on me. My mother would play several of his songs.