What's Going On

Prior to Marvin Gaye’s What’s Going On, Marvin’s image and music was cool and collected. Marvin was known as the sex icon of his time and generated millions of fans. He had before this iconic song had never written a record that was controversial. The social and national influences that contributed to What’s going on was in part due to the racism, war, and Marvin ‘s brother Frankie who came back from the Vietnam war haunted by images and memories of what he had gone through. Marvin Gaye accompanied by Renaldo “Obie” Benson who also was also inspired by a series of events that happened at that time, began to create this masterpiece. The obstacles faced by Marvin Gaye to get What’s Going On recorded and released were many. Berry Gordy founder of the Motown records didn’t want Gaye to sing contentious song. It was totally the opposite of what Motown was known for and Berry Gordy didn’t like it. It was “The worst thing I’ve ever heard in my life” Said Gordy. He didn’t know how it would affect Marvin’s career or how his fans would take to this song. The record label even refused to release his record, which Marvin Gaye responded by not coming in the studio. They eventually released the album and contrary to their beliefs, the album sold and was an instant hit. What set Marvin’s record apart from others in his time was the fact that its subject matter was something not discussed by any act on Motown. Another thing was his double lead on vocals, something that eventually became signature to him. The impression What’s Going on by Marvin Gaye has on me is a good one. He has taught me to go outside the box and do what your heart tells you even if others don’t believe at first.