What’s Going On” is the title track of Marvin Gaye’s eleventh studio album, released May 21, 1971, on Tamla Records a subsidiary of Motown. “What’s Going On” was also the first album for which Gaye is credited as producer and where the Funk Brothers were also awarded credits. A concept album and masterpiece based on Marvin’s own life and the social and political forces and movements that were shaping and influencing American culture during the...
What’s Going On” is the title track of Marvin Gaye’s eleventh studio album, released May 21, 1971, on Tamla Records a subsidiary of Motown. “What’s Going On” was also the first album for which Gaye is credited as producer and where the Funk Brothers were also awarded credits.
A concept album and masterpiece based on Marvin’s own life and the social and political forces and movements that were shaping and influencing American culture during the 1970’s.
The album was a huge success both critically and commercially and has had a major impact on the genres of Soul/R&B for the last 4/5 decades.
Despite record executives refusing to release the album due to fear of failure, political concept and its tribute to Jazz. “What’s Going On” exceeded all expectations becoming Marvin Gaye’s first album to be featured in the Billboard Top 10 LPs, reaching its highest point at Number 6, dominating the charts for almost a year, resulting in over 2 million records being sold.
Various critics have expressed admiration and approval for the albums ability to convey such a powerful message as well as its ability to achieve positive outcomes and deliver on aims and objectives. However, Marvin Gaye was not selected for or presented with a Grammy nomination. He was later added to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1987.
