Marvin Gaye - Whats going on?

Marvin Gaye's career started with a group that found little success. He, however, was always favored over his bandmates and eventually he broke away from this initial group. His career wasn't a rocket launch from day one. He spent time as a janitor and then as a session drummer for several years. He did get a gig as the drummer for a band named the Miracles of which Smokey Robinson was the lead singer. His career picked up when when he was able to release his first single "let your conscience be your guide." It wasn't a national hit but it was a regional success. He then went on to write several songs that made it to the billboard charts and became established as an artist with some credibility to his name. I heard it through the grapevine was Gaye's first number one hit. When Gaye's close friend and duet vocalist, Tammi Tarrell died, Gaye went through quite a tough time. It was during this time though that he worked on "Whats Going On."
Many things influenced this album. Gaye's brother had recalled accounts from the vietnam war, there had been instances of police brutality in San Fransisco, and other influences were poverty and drug abuse.
One of the biggest obstacles for Marvin Gaye was Berry Gordy. This egotistical man was worried that Marvin's status as a sex symbol would be compromised by releasing this new material with a focus on such controversial topics. This lead to Marvin's rebellion against the label's controlling ways and, due to the success of this decision, inspired other R&B artists to do the same thing, one of which was Stevie Wonder.
The album used multiple arrangements such as funk, jazz, classical, and latin soul. Marvin's 4 octave range was showcased on the album and What's Going On crossed his fan base from R&B to young white rock audiences.
What's Going On was a relaxing album to listen too. I didn't feel uncomfortable with any of the songs and Although some of the songs lacked excitement and development, they were easy listening. Marvin's sense of melody was fantastic and it was a pleasure to listen to this album.

Reference Pages
http://www.marvingayepage.net/