Marvin Gaye’s music and image before was less political
before he recorded What’s Going On. He mostly was involved with loving R&B
style music. There were so many bad things that influenced this album. The
influences for What’s Going On were the war, police beatings, and
violence. Frankie Gaye who was Marvin
Gaye’s brother had survived 3 years of active duty in the military. After
Frankie Gaye returned home from war he spoke of his terrors that he had dealt
with during the war with his brother Marvin Gaye. Marvin Gaye was haunted by the stories, but
was also compassionate and empathetic for the sufferings of people. When Marvin
Gaye was finally finished recording What’s Going On, then he ran into big
problems when it came to releasing the album. Berry Gordy his brother in law
who was Quality Control said the album was the worst and refused to release it.
Marvin Gaye then refused to make any more records until What’s Going on is
released. He even attempted to play
professional football in the meantime. I
think that the lyrics along with the studio musicians made this album the
success it was. The sound of this album is incredible. The music that is played
not only beautifully but also in some cases effortlessly according to the alto
sax player that was sent home after Marvin Gay recorded his warm up. The lyrics
sound really good with the musical compositions. The lyrics meant something and
were heart felt and true. Seeing that the lyrics were all too real is probably
the controversy that Berry Gordy was trying to avoid. Instead people actually
loved the album. As a listener this album is very mellow and right up my alley.
I love the sound and instrumentations. I also wish that his music would have
more impact. We could use the love and peace that was put into this album, in
the world today. As an industry professional I am inspired that my music can
mean something and to never be afraid to stand up for what is right.
Hello Shayna,
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed reading your post, for I share some of the same view that your have concerning the album "What's Going On." You did a great job in explaining the challenges that influenced the recording of the album and the challenges that delayed its release to the world. It's amazing how Renaldo "Obie" Benson of the Four Tops was influenced by some of the same social and national issues that Gaye faced, which prompted Benson to write the title song of the album. I agree with you that the album promotes love and peace, which seems like lost commodities sometimes. Also, remember to proof read your post, for I did find a few grammar errors in your entry. Thanks for sharing your thoughts as a student and industry professional.
Brandon Biggs
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteHi Shayna,
ReplyDeleteI liked your sympathetic view of Marvin Gaye, but I have to disagree when you say you wish his music had more impact. Remember, “What's Going On” sold 100,000 copies the first day it was released. And when that song starts to play on the radio, even today's younger generation knows it. I agree with Brandon (above) that you need to take a last peek at your entry. Some of your punctuation was misplaced. Album names should be in italic, and songs in single quote, but you do have a very concise writing style that people can definitely relate to. Wasn't it funny that he tried to become a professional football player? Wow! I am a good musician, but I can't play sports to save my life! Good for him to be so multi-talented. I actually gained a new respect for him after seeing that, didn't you ?
I also respected how he stuck to his guns about releasing a controversial song with a war-based theme. It is really difficult for entertainers to cross that line. Him and artists like Elvis (In the Ghetto) proved they weren't just pretty faces, they wanted to make a change.
Thanks for letting me read!
Lisa LaBarr
When I said more of an impact, I neglected to specifically clarify the impact on society. If we could all take that step back like Marvin Gaye did and examine the way of humanity, we could definitely be a better society. I really intended to capture that moment that we realize something is wrong with our society. As generations pass, we as a society seem to lose empathy along the road. Thank you for your feedback.
DeleteHi Shayna,
ReplyDeleteGreat job on your post. Marvin Gaye has been someone I've sort of aspired to be like when it comes to my music. I didn't study him or anything as I was developing as an artist, but his music was always inspiring growing up. It seems like the common place on your post that us readers agree on is your view on Marvins impact. "What's Going On", when originally released, was a smash. It's such a moving piece that it was performed and recorded in the style of "We Are The World" by many celebrities and artists to raise money for the 9/11 tragedy. The song traverses generations, and is still just as big and power as it was back when it was first released. Overall, I did enjoy your post and look forward to what you have coming up.
Great work!