On May 21, 2011, Marvin Gaye’s classic  
‘What’s Going On’ will turn 40-years old.

To mark the occasion, Motown has scheduled a 40th anniversary edition of what became
one of the most important soul albums of all-time.

‘What’s Going On’ was Gaye’s 11th studio album. Released in 1971 when the Vietnam War was still going, the album was a nine-song protest concept album that told the story of a Vietnam veteran returning to the USA with a tale of injustice, suffering and hatred

The album featured the title track, ‘Mercy Mercy Me’ and ‘Inner City Blues (Make Me Wanna Holler)’.

The album was an immediate hit in the USA and sold more than 2 million copies in the first year of release.

The 40th anniversary edition will be released with 2CDs and one vinyl LP. It will include 14 unreleased tracks, a booklet and previously unpublished photos from the original cover shoot.

A ‘What’s Going On’ tribute concert will also take place at the Hollywood Bowl on July 24 featuring Stevie Wonder, Jonelle Monae and Rickey Minor.

The 40th Anniversary edition of ‘What’s Going On’ will be released on May 17.


By Paul Cashmere