Marvin Gaye’s What’s Going On was a landmark recording and is considered one of the greatest albums ever made. Rolling Stone named it Album of the Year when it came out and in 2003 it was ranked number 6, the highest for a non-rock album, in Rolling Stone’s 500 Greatest Albums Of All Time. Originally, the title cut was recorded as a single, and Motown chief Berry Gordy refused to release it, citing that it was too personal and political. "What's Going On" became Motown's fastest-selling single at that point, going to the number one spot on the R&B charts for five weeks and number two for three weeks on the Pop listings, which lead Gordy to request a full albums' worth of material.
“What's Going On”, the single, was recorded in June of 1970. The remainder of the album was recorded in March-May of 1971 and was released on May 21st of that year. It was produced entirely by Marvin Gaye.
- What's Going On
- What's Happening Brother
- Flyin' High (In The Friendly Sky)
- Save The Children
- God Is Love
- Mercy Mercy Me (The Ecology)
- Right On
- Wholy Holy
- Inner City Blues (Make Me Wanna Holler)