What's Going On Trivia Questions

Executives were deeply skeptical. Gaye had to threaten to leave the label and stop recording to force its release, proving his instincts were right when it hit No. 1.

Gordy called it 'uncommercial' and 'too political,' forcing Gaye to go on strike until the label finally released it—where it became a massive hit.

Motown released socially conscious singles before 'What's Going On,' such as Edwin Starr's 'War' (1970) and The Temptations' 'Ball of Confusion' (1970), both addressing war and social issues.

It was co-written by Gaye, Al Cleveland, and Renaldo Benson of the Four Tops. Benson witnessed police brutality and suggested the theme, which Cleveland and Gaye developed.

Gaye's brother Frankie served in Vietnam and shared harrowing stories, which directly inspired the song's anti-war themes and plea for understanding.

Co-writer Obie Benson wrote the song after witnessing police brutality at an anti-war protest in Berkeley. The lyric 'don't punish me with brutality' directly references police violence.

The bird sounds were actually synthesized using a Moog synthesizer, not recorded from real pigeons. It's a common myth that they were field recordings.

The Funk Brothers laid down the groove in one spontaneous jam session; Marvin Gaye then overdubbed vocals and strings were added later.