Remembering - Marvin Pentz Gaye was the originator of the 'concept' albums and that legacy is 'still' relevant today.
Ironically when Motown founder Berry Gordy heard Marvin Gaye's song, "What's Going On," Gordy declared it to be the worst song he had ever heard. He fought tooth and nail to keep Gaye's first solo album, What's Going On, from hitting the radio waves on Motown's watch.
"They didn't like it, didn't understand it, and didn't trust it," Gaye said, according to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. "For months they wouldn't release it. My attitude had to be firm: 'Put it out or I'll never record for you again!'"
Gaye's attitude worked: In 1971, Motown reluctantly released the album, sure it would be a flop. But to Gordy's great surprise, the album became Gaye's first to reach the Billboard Top LPs chart, peaking at No. 6 and staying on the charts for almost a year. Now, it stands as one of the most historic albums of all time. It is the record that, better than anything else, reveals just how profound an impact Gaye made on pop music.
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