Marvin Gaye's "What's Going On"

Marvin Gaye was always known to be as somewhat of a rebel, but before "What's Going On" he had more of a clean cut image still from his prior work.  With the epic song came a new image including a rougher look with a beard and a more focused wardrobe dawning his new rebellious rebirth. Controversial by nature, his boss Mr. Berry Gordy was not fond of this new Gaye image and did his best to thwart Gaye's new public image, but to no avail.  

The lyrical content was largely influenced by Marvin's brother's accounts of the Vietnam war that he served in.  Marvin's brother would write him letters from overseas and his words had a great influence on Marvin and ultimately lead him in the a different direction musically.  The co-writer of the "What's Going On" Ronaldo Benson also found himself wondering "what's going on" when he gained knowledge of the violence that ensued in San Francisco amongst protesters at Berkley and police.  This sparked him to start on what would be a hugely successful and influential song for generations to come.

Put simply, Berry Gordy hated the song.  And when the boss hates your song, it doesn't see the light of day usually.  But not only Gordy didn't like the song, his panel of experts didn't like it either.  No one gave the approval for such an outspoken song.  Controversy was not something that Motown wanted to be involved in, and this song would certainly stir some of that up.  So it took great patience on Gaye's part and an ultimatum to finally get the tune released.

Motown was known for quality but not for "rocking the boat" lyrically.  This album was a complete departure from that.  Gaye takes on several issues from war to slavery to the inner city ghetto.  He ultimately challenges the listener that if we don't love now, then we will suffer greater consequences than we already have.  

The instrumentation differed a lot from any Motown album as well.  Gaye brought in a big band drummer and several percussionist.   Along with bringing in Eddie Brown on bongos which are a highlighted instrument on this album.  He also used the old piano from the "Snakepit" to help add some extra grit to the sound he was creating.  It wasn't as polished and Gaye liked that for this album.  Especially because anything out of Motown was to that point was definitely polished.

As an industry professional this record has great significance.  It shows true musicians coming together for a common purpose to make a record that speaks to the masses about things that are important.  It shows us that music can not only move people, but motivate them to change their lives.  It also reminds us that music always outlasts us.  It will be here long after we created it, listened to it, critiqued it, and enjoyed it.  It also shows us the importance of lyrical content.