May 21, 2021 marks 50 years since the release of one of the most iconic, enduring and resonant albums of all time – Marvin Gaye’s What’s Going On. Seven-time Grammy winning bassist, artistic director, broadcaster and educator Christian McBride curates an exploration and celebration of the landmark album and groundbreaking artist.
Motown’s “Prince of Soul” compliantly delivered hit after hit for the label in the 1960s. But by 1970, reeling from the tragic death of his beloved duet partner Tammi Terrell and the harrowing stories his brother shared upon his return from Vietnam, Marvin Gaye’s yearning to address deeper issues in his music compelled him to fight for creative control – at the resistance of Motown founder and chief Berry Gordy. The result was the album that would be Gaye’s masterpiece. What’s Going On would go on to become one of the most influential recordings of all time.
Christian McBride leads a roundtable discussion with a group of distinguished writers and experts on Gaye, including one who knew him best, his widow Janis Gaye, along with his biographer, David Ritz, author of Divided Soul: The Life of Marvin Gaye; legendary music journalist Nelson George, who interviewed Gaye during his lifetime; noted writer and critic Angelika Beener; and music director Steven Reineke, creator of a symphonic concert based on What’s Going On which featured John Legend. Together, they examine this groundbreaking album, its eerily current themes from racial injustice to civic unrest to environmental threats, its influence in both music and society, Gaye’s complicated and tragic personal life, and more. Berry Gordy came to call Gaye “the truest singer – the truest artist – I’ve ever known.” Join Christian McBride as he explores the legacy of a groundbreaking album and artist.
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