What's Going On?: The Words & Music of Marvin Gaye

WHAT’S GOING ON?

THE WORDS & MUSIC OF MARVIN GAYE

January 8 – 10, 2027

“I think it’s a common vibrating tone of the musical notes that holds all life together.   -  Marvin Gaye

Marvin Gaye’s words reflect love, peace, artistry, and social consciousness, his music offers timeless inspiration.  A key Motown figure, Gaye began his career writing songs for others before achieving fame with hits like “Hitch Hike,” “Let’s Get It On,” and the GRAMMY-winning “Sexual Healing.” His influential 1971 album What’s Going On addressed social and political issues, earning critical acclaim. Gaye also performed duets with notable artists and was dubbed the "Prince of Motown" and "Prince of Soul." Classic hits include “Aint’ That Peculiar”, “How Sweet It is (To be Loved by You)”, “Heard It Through the Grapevine”, and “Ain’t Nothing Like The Real Thing.”   His work has inspired many musicians and has been widely covered and sampled. Gaye received multiple honors, including Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction and a GRAMMY Lifetime Achievement Award. He died in 1984 following a tragic altercation with his father.