Name: What's Going On - 50th Anniversary Edition
Brand: Marvin Gaye

Bonus disc

Bonus disc: No

Catalogue number

B003334801

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Colour

Black

Colour details

Discogs ID

Format multiplier

Download code

Download code: No

Rough Trade Exclusive

Rough Trade Exclusive: No

Extended format

Extended format: Yes

Format detail

American Pressing

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Format Music GB

Limited edition

Release date

2022-08-19

Signed copies

Signed copies: No

Supplier GB

Rough Trade NYC

Tax rate GB

Standard:20

UPC / Barcode

Total Cap

Black LP

3558417

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Extended format: No

2023-06-02

Universal

0602435584171

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2 / Extended format: No / LP / Rough Trade Exclusive: No / Signed copies: No / black

Artist

Marvin Gaye

Genre GB

Funk / Soul

Label GB

Island

Island Records is a renowned music label that has been shaping the industry since its establishment in 1959. With an impressive roster of *artists* and a rich history, Island Records continues to be at the forefront of discovering and nurturing talent across various genres.

As one of the most influential labels in the world, Island Records has played a pivotal role in launching the careers of iconic musicians such as Bob Marley, U2, Amy Winehouse, and Florence + The Machine. Their commitment to artistic integrity and innovation has earned them numerous accolades and recognition within the music industry.

With their unwavering dedication to supporting *artists*, Island Records provides a platform for creative expression and encourages musical diversity. From reggae to rock, pop to hip-hop, their diverse catalogue showcases an array of talented individuals who continue to push boundaries and captivate audiences worldwide.

Marvin Gaye was an American singer-songwriter and musician with a three-octave vocal range. He was born on April 2, 1939 in Washington, D.C., USA and tragically died on April 1, 1984 in Los Angeles, California, USA when he was shot by his father Marvin Gay Sr.
Gaye started his career as a member of The Moonglows in the late fifties. After the group disbanded in 1960, he embarked on a successful solo career and signed with the Tamla subsidiary of Motown Records.
Inducted into the Rock And Roll Hall of Fame in 1987 as a performer, Marvin Gaye is remembered for his incredible talent and contributions to music. He is also known as the brother of Frankie Gaye and the father of Nona Gaye.

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Motown’s “Prince Of Soul,” Marvin Gaye, was already a hit artist for nearly a decade when, in 1971, he reached new heights with his album What's Going On. An immediate landmark recording, it was the first of Gaye's albums to break the top ten of Billboard’s Top LPs, and quickly became Motown's best-selling record. To this day, What's Going On is hailed as one of the greatest albums of all time, earning the number one spot on Rolling Stone magazine’s 2020 list of “The 500 Greatest Albums Of All Time.”

Now comes What’s Going On: Deluxe Edition / 50th Anniversary. This includes the original album, plus 12 bonus tracks featuring each of the LP’s original mono single versions and their B-sides, two of which are different takes – “God Is Love” and “Sad Tomorrows,” an earlier version of “Flying High (in the Friendly Sky)” – while the pre-album single version of “What’s Going On” has no “party” intro and a false fade. Also included is the title song’s earliest mix, initially made as a reference for Motown’s in-house quality control department before horns and strings were added; a dramatic instrumental mix; a “Coffeehouse Mix” by Grammy-winning engineer Russ Elevado that emphasizes the track’s previously buried acoustic guitar, originally available on a Record Store Day exclusive 10” EP for the album’s 45th anniversary in 2016. Also included from that same 2016 release is a “What’s Going On” duet with Motown artist B.J. the Chicago Kid. Other tracks are an early working version of “Symphony,” written by Marvin with Smokey Robinson, in which Marvin sings over and over, “what’s going on?” while the song of the same name sat unreleased; and the instrumental “I Love the Ground You Walk On,” recorded during the same waiting period.

Fifty years later, the influence and meaning behind this legendary record continues to ring true. The single “What’s Going On” originated as a response to police brutality at a protest in Berkeley, CA and coincided with personal tragedy in Gaye's life as well as Gaye’s brother's time fighting in Vietnam. The compounding experiences sparked the poignant plea that became the full-length LP What's Going On. Calling out to a broken country, Gaye searched for reason and hope in a world that felt desperate and senseless; a sentiment that many share now more than ever. Marvin Gaye continues to hold his place as one of the greatest singers, composers and producers of all time, and in this half a century What's Going On has proven itself to be one of the world's most unforgettable records.

What's Going On - 50th Anniversary Edition

Music GB