Marvin Gaye - What's Going On

Marvin Gaye was a singer-songwriter, instrumentalist, and a record producer with a three octave vocal range. He had his start as a member of a Doo-Wop group called The Moonglows in the late 50’s, but ventured into a solo career after the group disbanded. He began his career for Motown in 1960, and quickly became Motown’s top selling artist and scored numerous hits during the 1960’s. Also, as being a part-time songwriter for Motown artists during his early years with the label, it proved that he could write and produce his own music without having to rely on the Motown system.

“What’s Going On” was a concept album that consisted of nine songs, featuring introspective lyrics about drug abuse, poverty, and the Vietnam War. The album was basically told from the point of view of a Vietnam War veteran returning to the country he had been fighting for; seeing nothing but injustice, suffering and hatred.

There was some confrontation between Berry Gordy and Marvin Gaye over the track “What’s Going On.” Gordy said it was, "the worse thing I've ever heard in my life." Gaye issued an ultimatum stating that he would cease recording material for Motown until “What’s Going On” was released. A few months later, “What's Going On” was issued without Gordy's knowledge. He was furious. However, when Gordy found out that “What’s Going On” had sold 100,000 records in one day, his attitude changed.

One of the unique signature features of this record that was captured was the Alto Sax part that opens the record, performed by session musician Eli Fontaine. Fontaine had been warming-up, playing enough to feel comfortable. As he signaled that he was ready for a take, Marvin told him to go home, and that they already had what they needed. Fontaine tried to explain that he had just been goofing around, but Marvin replied, "You goof exquisitely. Thank you." Another unique signature feature was the background vocals and studio chatter, which was the work of amateurs and a group of buddies that included two members of the Detroit Lions football team.

As a listener, “What’s Going On” is a classic r&b/soul album that encompasses everything that a lot of modern music lacks today on a musical, lyrical and sonic production standpoint; emotion and honesty. As an industry professional, the confrontation between Berry Gordy and Marvin Gaye over the release of “What’s Going On,” and Gordy’s resistance in releasing the album is a prime example of what currently goes on in the music industry today. One can only imagine how many great albums have been shelved by these record label schmucks who don’t know a god darn thing about music.