1971 – Marvin Gaye Releases “What’s Going On” Album

On May 21, 1971, Marvin Gaye released his revolutionary album What’s Going On, a soulful, socially conscious masterpiece that tackled police brutality, poverty, environmental decay, and the Vietnam War. Inspired by personal tragedy and the social upheaval of the 1960s, Gaye’s departure from Motown’s traditional love song formula was groundbreaking. Songs like “Mercy Mercy Me” and “Inner City Blues” gave voice to Black America’s pain and resilience in a way that had rarely been heard on mainstream radio. Critics and fans alike hailed the album as a cultural landmark, and it remains one of the most influential works in music history. May 21 marks the day Black soul music evolved into a form of protest and reflection, echoing the lived experience of millions. What’s Going On isn’t just music—it’s an enduring Black artistic statement on justice, humanity, and hope.