There was a good little story in today’s Wall Street Journal about Marvin Gaye’s 1971 epic album What’s Going On. It described the struggle Gaye had with Berry Gordy for more creative control of his career. The song was written by Four Tops member Obie Benson who had a difficult time finding someone to record it until Gaye read the lyrics.
“To Gaye, the song reflected the feelings of his brother, Frankie, who had just returned from Vietnam and was astonished the turmoil that engulfed America.”
Gaye recorded the song but was forced to go on a “work stoppage”, ie: strike until the studio finally agreed to release it.
What’s Going On hit the charts in January 1971 and sold 100,000 copies the first week. I well remember this song and this album. I was very into the Motown Sound then and love it to this day. The Supremes, The Temptations, The Four Tops, Smokey Robinson and the Miracles, Percy Sledge, Tammy Terrelle, and on and on.
Marvin Gaye had some great tunes and I love them all. But my favorite has always been Mercy, Mercy Me and the message is even more relevent today than then. This is such a sensual song musically with timeless lyrics. Take a listen.
You are so preaching to the choir.
By: Willie on November 27, 2006
at 2:40 pm