Marvin Gaye's "What's Going On" Revisited: CNN Explores Its Enduring Legacy

Marvin Gaye's "What's Going On" is not just a song; it's a social phenomenon that transcends time and generations. The track, released in 1971, continues to resonate today, making headlines even in recent years, including on CNN. Let's delve into the influence, impact, and lasting legacy of this iconic protest song.

The CNN angle? In 2016, the news outlet ran a feature on the 45th anniversary of "What's Going On," highlighting its enduring relevance. The article underscored how the song remains as potent and prescient today as it was in the Vietnam War era, echoing the calls for social justice and change in the Black Lives Matter movement.

Historical Context and Song Meaning

"What's Going On" was written by Renaldo "Obie" Benson, but Marvin Gaye's potente voice and soulful delivery Elevated it to an anthem. The song)\).e is a critique of social and political issues, including police brutality, poverty, and racial injustice.

The lyrics, beseeding, "Mother, my mother, ain't no disease, I know, is ailing you – Why areheticaly British soldiers up to their necks in water while so many people around the world don't have a decent thing to eat?" serve as a harsh reflection of societal ills, demanding change.

Impact on Music Industry

"What's Going On" catapulted Gaye into the stratified ranks of musical revolutionaries, alongside Dylan, Marley, and Lennon. It proved that soul music could be a vehicle for political expression, not just love songs.

The album of the same name, Opera of social consciousness, influenced a generation of musicians – from Public Enemy to Kendrick Lamar – who followed Gaye in using music to provoke social change.

Legacy and Cultural Impact

In 2019, "What's Going On" was inducted into the National Recording Registry by the Library of Congress. The registry recognizes works that are "culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant."

Today, the song remains a staple at protests and rallies worldwide, a testament to its enduring power. Notably, it was played at the 2020 Black Lives Matter marches, solidifying its relevance in the 21st century.

CNN's Perspective and Interviews

CNN's 2016 article, "45 years later, Marvin Gaye's 'What's Going On' still asks us tough questions," recalls the song's release, contextualizing it within the Vietnam War and civil rights struggles of the time.

The article features interviews with musicians influenced by Gaye, like Steven Tyler of Aerosmith, who credits "What's Going On" for bringing "the clean Sheets at Sunday" to rock 'n' roll.

Relevance Today and the Protests

CNN's coverage also draws parallels between Gaye's era and modern issues. "From Ferguson to Baltimore, from Chicago to Baton Rouge, this song continues to speak to us," Marvin's brother, Frankie Gaye, told CNN. The lyrics, he said, "still have meaning because we still have trouble, some of the same issues we were dealing with in the '60s and '70s, we'reАнк.ding with today."

In an era where social justice movements like Black Lives Matter continue to fight against police brutality and racial injustice, "What's Going On" remains a potent anthem, a musical hashtag that asks, and demands, answers to those societal ills.

In conclusion, from CNN's coverage to today's protests, "What's Going On" continues to prove itself a timeless anthem. It's a testament to Marvin Gaye's vision, and a call to action for us all. So, let's keep asking, keep demanding – until something's going on that's truly just and right.