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Come See About Me: Marvin Gaye's Detroit Homecoming and the Making of a Soul Classic

Wayne Carter

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Published in Come See About Me Marvin (Made In Michigan Writers Series)

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Fifty years ago, Marvin Gaye released one of the most important and influential albums in music history: What's Going On. The album was a departure from Gaye's previous work, both in its musical style and its lyrical content. Instead of the love songs and dance tunes that had made him a star, What's Going On was a deeply personal and political album that spoke to the social and political turmoil of the time.

come see about me, marvin (Made in Michigan Writers Series)

by Brian Gilmore

4.5 out of 5

Language	:	English
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Print length	:	108 pages

The album was inspired by Gaye's experiences growing up in Detroit, a city that was both the birthplace of Motown Records and a hotbed of social and racial unrest. Gaye witnessed the 1967 Detroit riots firsthand, and the events of that summer had a profound impact on him. He began to question the values of the society he lived in and to use his music to speak out against injustice and inequality.

What's Going On was not an easy album to make. Motown Records was initially reluctant to release it, fearing that it would be too controversial. But Gaye was determined to get the album out, and he eventually convinced Motown to give it a chance. The album was an instant success, both critically and commercially. It reached number one on the Billboard 200 chart and stayed there for four weeks. It also won three Grammy Awards, including Album of the Year.

In the years since its release, What's Going On has been hailed as one of the greatest albums of all time. It has been praised for its musical innovation, its lyrical depth, and its social and political significance. The album has been inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, and the National Recording Registry. It has also been the subject of numerous books, articles, and documentaries.

On the 50th anniversary of its release, What's Going On remains a powerful and relevant work of art. It is a testament to the power of music to speak to the human condition and to inspire change. The album's message of love, justice, and equality is as important today as it was when it was first released.

The Making of What's Going On

What's Going On was a collaborative effort, and Gaye worked with a number of talented musicians to create the album. The album's core band included bassist James Jamerson, drummer Uriel Jones, guitarist Joe Messina, and keyboardist Earl Van Dyke. Gaye also worked with a number of other musicians, including saxophonist Hank Crawford, trumpeter Chuck Findley, and percussionist Bob Babbitt.

Gaye and his collaborators spent months working on the album, and they experimented with a variety of different musical styles. The album's songs range from the soulful ballad "Inner City Blues (Make Me Wanna Holler)" to the funkier "Mercy Mercy Me (The Ecology)." The album's title track is a sprawling, seven-minute epic that features a spoken-word intro by Gaye.

What's Going On is a musically complex and ambitious album, but it is also a deeply personal one. Gaye poured his heart and soul into the album, and his lyrics are full of raw emotion and honesty. The album is a reflection of Gaye's own experiences and observations, and it speaks to the hopes and dreams of a generation.

The Impact of What's Going On

What's Going On had a profound impact on both the music industry and on society as a whole. The album's success helped to break down the barriers between soul music and other genres of music. It also helped to raise awareness of social and political issues, and it inspired a new generation of musicians to use their music to speak out against injustice.

In the years since its release, What's Going On has been covered by countless artists, and it has been sampled on numerous hip-hop and R&B songs. The album continues to be a source of inspiration for musicians and activists alike, and its message of love, justice, and equality is as relevant today as it was when it was first released.

What's Going On is a timeless work of art that continues to inspire and move people around the world. It is an album that is both personal and political, and it speaks to the human condition in a profound way. The album's message of love, justice, and equality is as important today as it was when it was first released, and it is a reminder that music has the power to change the world.

come see about me, marvin (Made in Michigan Writers Series)

by Brian Gilmore

4.5 out of 5