Marvin Gaye after touring the country as a professional soul singer came home. After seeing the turmoil and unrest in the neighborhoods, he was motivated to create the song “What’s Going On/What’s Happening Brother?”
Gil Scott Heron, a comedian and poet, stated that the first change to take place during troubled times will have to take place in our heads.
Marvin’s personal concern for the people during this time (1960s) and writing a song to address the issues was remarkable. Gil Scott felt that any change in our lives will have to first come from within our heads. The mental processing of both of these artists' ideologies can also apply to today’s troubled youth.
-- Roy Fraction
