Marvin Gaye’s iconic album What’s Going On is universally regarded as one of the greatest albums in music history. However, there are several lesser-known facts that add even more mind-blowing creation to its story. Here are five unknown facts about the groundbreaking album:
The Album’s Inspiration Came From a Real-Life Protest: The inspiration behind the title track, “What’s Going On,” came from an event witnessed by Four Tops member Renaldo “Obie” Benson. He observed police brutality during a protest at Berkeley’s People’s Park, known as “Bloody Thursday.” This shocking moment drove Benson to ask questions about the state of the world, which ultimately led him to co-write the song with Gaye. The narrative established by the songs is told from the point of view of a Vietnam veteran returning to his home country to witness hatred, suffering, and injustice. Gaye’s introspective lyrics explore themes of drug abuse, poverty, and the Vietnam War. He has also been credited with promoting awareness of ecological issues before the public outcry over them had become prominent (“Mercy Mercy Me”).
Marvin Gaye Considered Quitting Music for Football: Before fully committing to What’s Going On, Gaye contemplated leaving the music industry to pursue a career in professional football. He even trained with the Detroit Lions, but team management advised him against it due to the risk of injury that could derail his music career.
Motown Initially Rejected the Album: Berry Gordy, the founder of Motown, was initially hesitant to release What’s Going On. He feared that the album’s political and jazz-influenced sound would alienate Gaye’s fans and hurt his commercial appeal. Gordy reportedly called the title track “the worst thing I ever heard in my life.” It wasn’t until the song became a surprise hit that Gordy greenlit the full album.
The Funk Brothers Played a Crucial Role: The album’s rich instrumentation was thanks in part to Motown’s in-house session band, The Funk Brothers. Bassist James Jamerson was so committed to the project that he performed his famous bass lines for the track “What’s Going On” while lying on the floor, too inebriated to sit in his chair but still delivering one of the most memorable performances in soul music history.
It Was Recorded During a Time of Deep Personal Turmoil: Gaye was going through a tumultuous period in his personal life during the making of What’s Going On. He was struggling with the death of his singing partner Tammi Terrell, the breakdown of his marriage to Anna Gordy, and feelings of depression. These personal challenges added a layer of emotional intensity to the album, which is evident in the introspective and socially conscious lyrics.
These little-known facts highlight the emotional and creative depth behind What’s Going On, proving that it’s more than just an album—it’s a timeless reflection of a man and an era.
