Marvin Gaye’s ‘What’s Going On’ Redefines Protest Music and Soulful Storytelling in 1971
When Marvin Gaye released What’s Going On in 1971, he didn’t just deliver another hit—he shifted the emotional and cultural direction of soul music. Moving away from Motown’s polished love songs, Gaye introduced something deeper, driven by pain, reflection, and urgency. The track quickly climbed to No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100 and topped the R&B charts, but its real impact went far beyond numbers.
Inspired in part by Renaldo ‘Obie’ Benson after witnessing social unrest, the song became a plea for understanding in a fractured America. Gaye layered his vocals to create a haunting, almost conversational tone, while subtle jazz influences and orchestration added emotional weight. Even Berry Gordy initially resisted its release, fearing controversy—but Gaye refused to back down.
“Mother, mother, there’s too many of you crying.”
That single line transformed the song into something timeless—a question that still echoes across generations.
As the song gained momentum, it opened the door to a new era of “conscious soul,” influencing artists like Stevie Wonder and Curtis Mayfield. It also gave Gaye the creative freedom to craft the full What’s Going On album, now widely considered one of the greatest records ever made.
The song’s emotional core was deeply personal. Still grieving the loss of Tammi Terrell and shaken by the Vietnam War era, Gaye poured his soul into every note. What emerged wasn’t loud protest—it was quiet heartbreak.
This wasn’t a protest that shouted—it was one that wept.
Decades later, its influence continues to ripple through artists like Lauryn Hill and Kendrick Lamar. Though Gaye’s life ended tragically, the song endures as a powerful reminder that sometimes the most important thing we can do is ask the question—and truly listen.
1 minute readThe 1984 Hit That Made Ali-Ollie Woodson a Defining Later Voice of The Temptations
“Treat Her Like a Lady”: The 1984 Hit That Made Ali-Ollie Woodson a Defining Later Voice of The Temptations
Co-written and led by Ali-Ollie Woodson, the single gave The Temptations one of their strongest later-era hits and a fresh 1980s identity.
The Temptations perform “Treat Her Like a Lady,” with Ali-Ollie Woodson delivering the commanding lead vocal.
Listen on YouTube
The Heartbreak Ballad That Helped Make Ricky Van Shelton a Country Star
“Somebody Lied”: The Heartbreak Ballad That Helped Make Ricky Van Shelton a Country Star
Traditional Country | Neo-Traditional Country | 1987 | Song Story
In 1987, country music was rediscovering the power of traditional voices.
Among the artists leading that movement was Ricky Van Shelton, a Virginia-born singer whose deep, clean country delivery sounded connected to an earlier Nashville era.
Then came “Somebody Lied.”
A song about a man pretending he has recovered from a breakup — until his former lover hears otherwise — it became Shelton’s first No. 1 country hit and helped turn a promising newcomer into one of Nashville’s fastest-rising stars.
“Somebody Lied” is performed by Ricky Van Shelton.
The song was written by Joe Chambers and Larry Jenkins and appeared on Shelton’s debut Columbia album, Wild-Eyed Dream.
That album introduced Shelton as part of the neo-traditional country movement of the late 1980s, when singers with stronger ties to honky-tonk and classic-country traditions were finding a new mainstream audience.
“Somebody Lied” proved that Shelton had both the voice and the material to compete at the highest level.
Listen to “Somebody Lied”
Hank Williams’ Posthumous No. 1 That Became a Country Standard
“Your Cheatin’ Heart”: Hank Williams’ Posthumous No. 1 That Became a Country Standard
Recorded in 1952 and released after Hank Williams’ death, this devastating song of betrayal became one of the defining compositions in country music.
Hank Williams wrote and performed “Your Cheatin’ Heart,” backed by the Drifting Cowboys. Fred Rose produced the MGM recording.
Listen on YouTube
The Judds’ Farewell Song That Became Their Enduring Message
“Love Can Build a Bridge”: The Judds’ Farewell Song That Became Their Enduring Message
Co-written by Naomi Judd, Paul Overstreet and John Barlow Jarvis, the 1990 title track became the mother-daughter duo’s trademark and ultimately won two Grammy Awards.
The Judds — Naomi and Wynonna Judd perform “Love Can Build a Bridge.” Wynonna carries the powerful lead while Naomi’s harmony reinforces the mother-daughter identity at the heart of the duo.
Watch on YouTube
The Bee Gees Disco Anthem That Became a Soundtrack for Survival
“Stayin’ Alive”: The Bee Gees Disco Anthem That Became a Soundtrack for Survival
Written for Saturday Night Fever, the Bee Gees’ 1977 classic turned a relentless groove and Barry Gibb’s falsetto into one of disco’s defining records.
Bee Gees — Barry, Robin and Maurice Gibb perform “Stayin’ Alive.” The brothers wrote the song and produced it with Albhy Galuten and Karl Richardson.
Watch on YouTube
The Soul Song Janis Joplin Turned Into a Rock-Ripping Breakthrough
“Piece of My Heart”: The Soul Song Janis Joplin Turned Into a Rock-Ripping Breakthrough
Big Brother & the Holding Company’s 1968 version transformed a soul composition by Jerry Ragovoy and Bert Berns into the record that made Janis Joplin a mainstream rock star.
Big Brother & the Holding Company featuring Janis Joplin perform the famous 1968 recording. Joplin’s explosive lead vocal is backed by Sam Andrew and James Gurley on guitar, Peter Albin on bass and Dave Getz on drums.
