Marvin Gaye ‘What’s Going On’ Is Released – Black History Month

Drugs, poverty and war are all society ills Marvin Gaye sang about on his timeless 11th LP, 'What's Going On,' released May 21, 1971.

Marvin was known for his sweet, pretty boy image, making this album a huge turning point, which Motown execs weren't too keen about.

But Marvin felt moved to create 'What's Going On' after hearing his brother's Vietnam war stories. He was also deeply affected by racism happening around him.

"I realized that I had to put my own fantasies behind me if I wanted to write songs that would reach the souls of people. I wanted them to take a look at what was happening in the world," he told Rolling Stone magazine.

Watch Marvin Gaye's 'What's Going On' Video