Marvin Gaye ‎– What’s Going On

It has officially been 50 years since the release of Marvin Gaye’s iconic “What’s Going On” album.

The legendary singer-songwriter was born in 1939, in Washington, D.C. He started out singing in church and later became a member of popular doo-wop group The Moonglows.

After the genre began fizzling out in the 50s, the group’s founding member Harvey Fuqua took then 20-year-old Gaye to Detroit where he met Berry Gordy Jr., the founder of Motown records. At the label, he earned the title of Prince of Motown for his soulful sound and duetted with the likes of Diana Ross.

The album was released on May 21 1971, exactly 50 years ago today. It is still deemed as relevant as ever by many because of its strong social conscience. The record focused heavily on themes including racism, drug abuse, poverty and police brutality. It also showcased the perspective of a veteran returning to the U.S after the Vietnam war.

The record marked a departure for the Prince of Motown’s previous love-centric hit records “You’re All I Need To Get By” and “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough”, which were released in 1967.

“What’s Going On” earned critical acclaim and was hailed by many as the turning point for artistic freedom and meaningful music at Motown records. In the years following Gaye’s death, the record achieved new heights and earned the top place on Rolling Stone‘s 500 Greatest Albums Of All Time.