September 21, 2001

'What's Going On' Celebrates 30th Anniversary

Excerpts below from liner notes for the recently rereleased and remastered 'What's Going On: Deluxe Edition'

'Something happened to me during that period.

I felt the strong urge to write music and to write lyrics that would touch the souls of men.

And in that way, I thought I could help.'

- Marvin Gaye

I have listened to, recorded and produced many. many albums in my lifetime. And I still say 'What's Going On' is my favorite album of all time.

More than that, it is the greatest album of all time.

In 1971, Marvin was very blunt about world conditions - the environment, war, the lives of our children - down to the last jot and dot. But what he sang about, what he wrote, is true now. It's more poignant today than ever before. We are still living so many things that Marvin talked about; his songs foretold the future. And the music is awesome from start to finish - infectious, rhythmic, haunting.

'Smoke,' Marvin used to say to me, 'God is writing this album. God is working through me.'

Every time I listen, I agree.

Marvin had the talent to use what was flowing through him. People have said Marvin was breaking out, breaking away from the Motown mold. But Marvin was always an individual. He had a rebel quality. When I produced Marvin, he would do things with the words and the melody I never dreamed possible. So Marvin producing himself was not unexpected.

But the 'powers that be' at the company were tilted towards a certain attitude about Marvin. Berry Gordy did not want a protest record. To BG, Marvin was the company's sex symbol, a ladies' man. But Marvin was steadfast about changing. Thank God.

Part of the change during this time was physical too. He'd come get me and we'd run - no one else would go with him at first. He was boxing, lifting weights. He wanted to play pro football with the Detroit Lions. 'If I could do just one thing,' he'd say to me, 'it would be to take a kickoff at tiger stadium and score a touchdown. I've got to get that one thing. Then, I'll be done.'

I miss Marvin very much. I miss our camaraderie. I miss his humor; he had the quickest wit of anybody I've ever known. We had a lot of fun. I miss him in that light.

And I am still in awe of 'What's Going On.'

- Smokey Robinson

'What's Going On' liner notes by David Ritz

www.whats-going-on.org