What's Going On | A 50 Year Retrospective

Summary

This video explores Marvin Gaye's transformative album 'What's Going On,' released in 1971. Amidst personal struggles and societal unrest, Gaye shifted from love songs to socially conscious music. The album, initially opposed by Motown's Barry Gordy, became a fastest-seller, influencing artists like Stevie Wonder. It addresses issues from police brutality to environmental concerns, resonating strongly even today. The video also promotes Skillshare, an online learning platform for creators, offering a free trial to the first thousand viewers.

Takeaways

• 🎤 Marvin Gaye was a renowned singer, particularly known for his love songs and his delicate voice.
• 📈 He achieved significant success in the 1960s, hitting the US R&B top 10 charts 25 times.
• 💔 Despite his fame, Marvin Gaye suffered from deep depression and a serious addiction to cocaine.
• 🤔 Gaye questioned his role as a musician amidst the social and political turmoil of the 1960s.
• 🚫 Motown Records, which he was a part of, had a strict policy against artists taking political stances.
• 🔥 In 1971, Marvin Gaye released 'What's Going On', a protest album that marked a significant shift in his music and the music industry.
• 🎵 The album's title track was originally written by Obie Benson of The Four Tops and was inspired by police brutality.
• 🏆 'What's Going On' became a massive success, selling over 70,000 copies in its first week.
• 🌐 The album addressed a range of issues including the Vietnam War, police brutality, and environmental concerns.
• 🌱 Marvin Gaye's work on 'What's Going On' influenced a new generation of artists and continues to resonate today.
• 💡 The album serves as an example of how art can be a powerful tool for social change.

Q & A

What was Marvin Gaye's initial reaction to the social and political issues of his time?

Marvin Gaye initially struggled with the idea of singing love songs while facing social injustices and personal trauma. He felt the urge to be more politically active, as he expressed after witnessing the Watts riots in LA.

Why was Marvin Gaye initially unable to release a politically charged album?

Marvin Gaye was unable to release a politically charged album initially because Barry Gordy, who ran Motown Records, had a strict policy against artists taking political stances.

What event in 1967 had a profound impact on Marvin Gaye's career?

In 1967, Marvin Gaye's singing partner Tammy Terrell collapsed on stage due to a brain tumor, which had a significant impact on Gaye's career and personal life.

How did Marvin Gaye's 'What's Going On' album come to be?

The album 'What's Going On' was born from its titular lead single, originally written by Obi Benson of the Four Tops after he witnessed police brutality in Berkeley, California.

What was the public's initial reaction to the single 'What's Going On'?

The single 'What's Going On' was a massive success, becoming the fastest-selling single Motown had ever seen, moving more than 70,000 copies in its first week.

What was unique about the recording sessions for the 'What's Going On' album?

The recording sessions for 'What's Going On' were unorthodox, with 12-hour workdays, friends brought into the studio, and large amounts of scotch consumed. Marvin Gaye also sought contributions from beyond Motown's typical musicians and songwriters.

How did Marvin Gaye's personal experiences influence the songs on 'What's Going On'?

Marvin Gaye's personal experiences, including his brother Frankie's return from Vietnam and his own struggles with addiction, deeply influenced the songs on the album.

What broader social issues does the 'What's Going On' album address?

The album addresses a range of social issues including the Vietnam War, police brutality, ecological disaster, systemic apathy, economic disenfranchisement, and the over-policing of poor communities.

How did Marvin Gaye's 'What's Going On' impact the music industry?

The album changed perspectives on what soul music could be and inspired other Motown and soul artists to use their platform to speak out, leading to more culture-shifting records.

What is the significance of the 'What's Going On' album 50 years after its release?

50 years after its release, 'What's Going On' is still relevant, resonating with current social issues and inspiring new generations of artists and activists.

How did Marvin Gaye's approach to 'What's Going On' differ from his earlier work?

Marvin Gaye's approach to 'What's Going On' was more socially conscious and politically charged, differing from his earlier work which focused primarily on romantic love songs.