“Mother, mother, there’s too many of you crying. Brother, brother, brother, there’s far too many of you dying. You know we’ve got to find a way to bring some lovin’ here today, yeah … Picket lines and picket signs. Don’t punish me with brutality. Talk to me so you can see oh, what’s going on (what’s going on).”
The classic lyrics to Marvin Gaye’s hit song, “What’s Going On,” could have easily been written today. His song touched the hearts and minds of Black people, resonating deeply within as injustice continued then as it still does today.
The state of Michigan recognizes the importance of Gaye’s music and lasting impact and officially made today, January 20, “What’s Going On” Day to honor the 50th anniversary of the release of his hit song.
Motown Museum also posted recently on their Facebook page that they are proud to partner with the state of Michigan in recognizing “What’s Going On” Day.
They asked commenters to join the conversation and share the personal impact the lyrics of “What’s Going On” has made in their life.
One commenter said that they’ve loved this song all of their life and “it never gets old,” also “it’s relevance is stronger today than it’s ever been.”
Another commenter said that for them, the music on “What’s Going On” features a “nostalgia for Detroit” as well as a vision of a “better country and better world, improved one community at a time.”
The five-decades-old song was originally inspired by a police brutality situation that Renaldo “Obie” Brown witnessed, which was recorded at Motown Studios A and B in Detroit, according to a local news report.
The song later became Gaye’s second-most successful Motown Song, and rightfully so, behind “Let’s Get It On.”
“Having this tribute on the calendar provides us with an important moment—one where we can come together as a unified state to pause, reflect and appreciate the need for ideas, perspective, love and understanding. These are values that mean more today than ever before,” Gov. Gretchen Whitmer said in a press release. “Through the recognition of “What’s Going On” Day, we hope to bring awareness to Marvin Gaye’s profound words as his timeless music remains in our hearts and minds and continues inspiring generations to come.”
Motown Museum will use this special date to have several moments in 2021 celebrating the anniversary of the song release, according to the article.
“This is a significant moment for the museum, our community, and Motown fans all around the world, and we’re thankful that the State of Michigan has partnered with us to recognize this date as we begin our year-long celebration of this album,” Motown Museum CEO Robin Terry added in a release. “As we come out of a very challenging year, it’s more important than ever to reflect on Marvin Gaye’s prolific and timeless lyrics to inspire a spirit of connection in 2021. “What’s Going On” Day will serve as a reminder of his impact and legacy—bringing awareness to the issues of today, encouraging active dialogue between groups and individuals and acknowledging the important role Motown music continues to play in uniting us all.”
“What’s going on was divinely guided,” she added in the Facebook post video linked here.
Motown Museum CEO Robin Terry holding onto the State of Michigan proclamation.
Still shot of Motown’s Facebook video post.
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