Marvin Gaye’s performance of What’s Going On at the Motown 25: Yesterday, Today, Forever television special in 1983 is widely considered one of the most poignant moments in music history. Taped on March 25, 1983, at the Pasadena Civic Auditorium, the special celebrated the 25th anniversary of Motown Records. Gaye’s appearance was particularly significant as it was his final television performance before his death in 1984.
What’s Going On is the title of both a legendary 1971 song and a landmark concept album by Marvin Gaye. Widely considered one of the greatest albums of all time, it marked a major shift in Gaye’s career and the history of Motown Records by moving away from romantic pop toward socially conscious “progressive soul”.
Motown founder Berry Gordy initially refused to release the song, calling it “the worst thing I’ve ever heard” because he feared its political message would ruin Gaye’s image. Gaye went on a recording strike until Gordy agreed to release it. The single was released on January 20, 1971, reaching #2 on the Billboard Hot 100.
Marvin Gaye -What`s Going On (Motown 25 TV Special)
