With 'What's Going On' Marvin Gaye proved that black music could be something other than 'disposable'. Gaye had just recovered from a bad year (in 1970 his singing partner Tammi Terell had died from the brain tumour that had caused her collapse into Gaye's arms while the two were performing on stage in 1967), which many say led to Gaye's depression, drug abuse and withdrawal from performing. In some ways 'What's Going On' was a cathartic exercise for Gaye.
The songs on the album addressed many of societies ills covering topics as diverse as drug abuse, war, social unrest and ecology. The album itself was a brave step for Gaye as a musician. Heavily orchestrated, the album even boasted a song cycle, unheard of for a Motown album. What Gaye proves with 'What's Going On' is that black musicians could make a statement through music. They were something more than mere performers, they could now show that they were creative artists in their own right.
The songs on the album addressed many of societies ills covering topics as diverse as drug abuse, war, social unrest and ecology. The album itself was a brave step for Gaye as a musician. Heavily orchestrated, the album even boasted a song cycle, unheard of for a Motown album. What Gaye proves with 'What's Going On' is that black musicians could make a statement through music. They were something more than mere performers, they could now show that they were creative artists in their own right.
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