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Marvin Gaye's 'What's Going On' was released under the Motown subsidiary Tamla on January 21, 1971, and he also produced the original recording.
Answer: True
The single 'What's Going On' was indeed released on January 21, 1971, under the Motown subsidiary Tamla, and Marvin Gaye is credited as the producer of the original recording.
The initial inspiration for 'What's Going On' came directly from Marvin Gaye's experience witnessing the 1965 Watts Riot.
Answer: False
While the 1965 Watts Riot influenced Marvin Gaye's broader desire to record a protest song, the initial inspiration for 'What's Going On' specifically came from Renaldo Benson witnessing police brutality at Berkeley's People's Park.
Berry Gordy enthusiastically supported Marvin Gaye's idea to record a protest song from the outset, viewing it as a new artistic direction for Motown.
Answer: False
Berry Gordy initially dismissed Marvin Gaye's concept of a protest record as 'ridiculous,' reflecting Motown's traditional apolitical stance.
Renaldo Benson, Al Cleveland, and Marvin Gaye are the only credited songwriters for 'What's Going On.'
Answer: True
The official songwriting credits for 'What's Going On' are attributed solely to Al Cleveland, Renaldo Benson, and Marvin Gaye.
The B-side of Marvin Gaye's 'What's Going On' single was a track titled 'Mercy Mercy Me (The Ecology).'
Answer: False
The B-side of Marvin Gaye's 'What's Going On' single was the song 'God Is Love,' not 'Mercy Mercy Me (The Ecology).'
Eli Fontaine played the distinctive electric guitar line at the beginning of 'What's Going On.'
Answer: False
Eli Fontaine played the distinctive alto saxophone line at the beginning of 'What's Going On,' while Robert White played acoustic guitar and Joe Messina played electric guitar.
Marvin Gaye accidentally discovered the double-lead vocal technique used in 'What's Going On' when his engineer mixed two of his vocal leads together.
Answer: True
Marvin Gaye's innovative double-lead vocal technique in 'What's Going On' was indeed an accidental discovery, resulting from his engineer mixing two of his vocal takes.
Harry Balk was instrumental in getting 'What's Going On' released to radio stations by convincing Motown's sales vice president to release it without Berry Gordy's knowledge.
Answer: True
Harry Balk played a crucial role in the release of 'What's Going On' by persuading Motown's sales vice president, Barney Ales, to issue the single without Berry Gordy's prior approval.
Detroit Lions players Mel Farr and Lem Barney contributed to the vocal chatter on 'What's Going On.'
Answer: True
Detroit Lions players Mel Farr and Lem Barney, along with Marvin Gaye and the Funk Brothers, indeed contributed vocal chatter to the song, creating a relaxed, conversational ambiance.
Marvin Gaye recorded the main tracks for 'What's Going On' at Hitsville USA Studio B.
Answer: False
Marvin Gaye recorded the main tracks for 'What's Going On' at Hitsville USA Studio A, with supporting tracks recorded at Studio B (Golden World Records).
The recording sessions for 'What's Going On' were known for their strict, disciplined atmosphere, which contributed to the song's precise sound.
Answer: False
The recording sessions for 'What's Going On' were characterized by a laid-back and informal atmosphere, partly due to marijuana use, rather than a strict and disciplined one.
Marvin Gaye's namesake cousin died during military service, which personally influenced Gaye's desire to record a protest song.
Answer: True
Marvin Gaye was personally influenced to record a protest song by the death of his namesake cousin during military service, among other social factors.
The original question from Renaldo Benson that led to the song was, 'Why are they sending kids so far away from their families overseas?'
Answer: False
Renaldo Benson's initial question was, 'What is happening here?' followed by 'Why are they sending kids so far away from their families overseas? Why are they attacking their own children in the streets?'
Marvin Gaye titled the song 'What's Going On' after adding a new melody and revising the lyrics to his liking.
Answer: True
Marvin Gaye indeed titled the song 'What's Going On' after he had added a new melody and revised the lyrics to align with his artistic vision.
The main tracks for 'What's Going On' were recorded on January 21, 1971, the same day the single was released.
Answer: False
The main tracks for 'What's Going On' were recorded on June 1, 1970, while the single was released much later, on January 21, 1971.
Who was the primary artist behind the song 'What's Going On'?
Answer: Marvin Gaye
Marvin Gaye is widely recognized as the primary artist and singer-songwriter behind the influential song 'What's Going On.'
On what date was Marvin Gaye's single 'What's Going On' officially released?
Answer: January 21, 1971
Marvin Gaye's single 'What's Going On' was officially released on January 21, 1971, under the Motown subsidiary Tamla.
Which of the following individuals was NOT credited as a songwriter for 'What's Going On'?
Answer: Berry Gordy
The credited songwriters for 'What's Going On' are Al Cleveland, Renaldo Benson, and Marvin Gaye. Berry Gordy was not credited as a songwriter.
What was the initial inspiration for the song 'What's Going On'?
Answer: Renaldo Benson witnessing police brutality at Berkeley's People's Park
The initial inspiration for 'What's Going On' stemmed from Renaldo Benson's experience witnessing police brutality and violence at Berkeley's People's Park during an anti-war protest.
Why did the other members of the Four Tops decline to record the song that became 'What's Going On'?
Answer: They considered it a 'protest song.'
The other members of the Four Tops declined to record the song because they perceived it as a 'protest song,' a genre they were reluctant to embrace.
What was Berry Gordy's initial reaction to Marvin Gaye's desire to record a protest record?
Answer: He dismissed it as 'ridiculous' and 'taking things too far.'
Berry Gordy's initial reaction to Marvin Gaye's proposal for a protest record was dismissive, calling it 'ridiculous' and 'taking things too far,' reflecting his desire to maintain Motown's apolitical image.
Who played the distinctive alto saxophone line at the beginning of 'What's Going On'?
Answer: Eli Fontaine
Eli Fontaine is credited with performing the distinctive alto saxophone line that opens 'What's Going On,' a spontaneous riff that Marvin Gaye decided to keep in the final recording.
What unique vocal technique did Marvin Gaye use in 'What's Going On'?
Answer: A double-lead vocal technique, discovered accidentally
Marvin Gaye employed a unique double-lead vocal technique in 'What's Going On,' which he discovered accidentally when his engineer mixed two of his vocal takes together.
How did Marvin Gaye ensure the release of 'What's Going On' despite Berry Gordy's initial rejection?
Answer: He went on strike, refusing to record any further music.
To ensure the release of 'What's Going On' after Berry Gordy's initial rejection, Marvin Gaye went on strike, refusing to record any new material until the song was issued.
What was the B-side of Marvin Gaye's original 'What's Going On' single?
Answer: God Is Love
The B-side of Marvin Gaye's original 'What's Going On' single was the song 'God Is Love.'
Which Detroit Lions players contributed to the vocal chatter heard on 'What's Going On'?
Answer: Mel Farr and Lem Barney
Detroit Lions players Mel Farr and Lem Barney, along with Marvin Gaye and the Funk Brothers, contributed vocal chatter to the song, creating a relaxed and informal ambiance.
In which year did Marvin Gaye record the main tracks for 'What's Going On'?
Answer: 1970
Marvin Gaye recorded the main tracks for 'What's Going On' on June 1, 1970.
Which of the following was a personal experience that influenced Marvin Gaye's desire to record a protest song?
Answer: His brother's return from the Vietnam War
Marvin Gaye's desire to record a protest song was significantly influenced by emotional conversations with his brother Frankie, who had returned from the Vietnam War.
What was the atmosphere like during the recording sessions for 'What's Going On'?
Answer: Laid-back, partly due to marijuana use
The recording sessions for 'What's Going On' were characterized by a laid-back atmosphere, partly due to Marvin Gaye and other musicians frequently consuming marijuana.
Which Motown recording facility was primarily used for the main tracks of 'What's Going On'?
Answer: Hitsville USA Studio A
The main tracks for 'What's Going On' were primarily recorded at Hitsville USA Studio A, a key Motown recording facility.
The song 'What's Going On' is notable for its innovative use of major seventh and minor seventh chords, which were uncommon in popular music at the time.
Answer: True
The song 'What's Going On' is indeed distinguished by its sophisticated use of major seventh and minor seventh chords, a harmonic approach not commonly found in popular music of that era.
The album version of Marvin Gaye's 'What's Going On' is shorter than the single version.
Answer: False
The album version of Marvin Gaye's 'What's Going On' is 3 minutes and 53 seconds, which is slightly longer than the single version's 3 minutes and 40 seconds.
Slant Magazine described 'What's Going On' as having a contradictory sound, blending a mournful tone with a party atmosphere.
Answer: True
Slant Magazine indeed characterized 'What's Going On' as possessing a contradictory sound, effectively merging a mournful tone with a party-like atmosphere through its vocal chatter.
Which of the following was NOT a genre associated with Marvin Gaye's 'What's Going On'?
Answer: Country
Marvin Gaye's 'What's Going On' is categorized under soul, R&B, progressive soul, and psychedelic soul genres, but not country.
What did Slant Magazine state regarding the sonic qualities of 'What's Going On'?
Answer: It featured a contradictory sound, blending mournful tones with a party atmosphere.
Slant Magazine described 'What's Going On' as having a contradictory sound, where its mournful tone was effectively blended with a party atmosphere created by the vocal chatter.
What was the length of Marvin Gaye's album version of 'What's Going On'?
Answer: 3 minutes and 53 seconds
The album version of Marvin Gaye's 'What's Going On' has a duration of 3 minutes and 53 seconds.
What was unique about the chord progressions used in 'What's Going On'?
Answer: Use of major seventh and minor seventh chords, uncommon at the time
The chord progressions in 'What's Going On' were unique for their innovative use of major seventh and minor seventh chords, which were not commonly found in popular music of that era.
Marvin Gaye's 'What's Going On' sold over two million copies, becoming the fastest-selling Motown single at the time and leading Berry Gordy to grant Gaye more creative control.
Answer: True
The immense commercial success of 'What's Going On,' selling over two million copies and becoming Motown's fastest-selling single, directly resulted in Berry Gordy granting Marvin Gaye increased creative autonomy.
Upon its release, 'What's Going On' sold over 50,000 copies within a week, prompting a further pressing of 10,000 copies.
Answer: False
Upon its release, 'What's Going On' achieved significantly higher initial sales, selling over 200,000 copies within a week, which led to a further pressing of 100,000 copies.
Marvin Gaye's 'What's Going On' peaked at number one on both the Billboard Hot Soul Singles chart and the Billboard Hot 100.
Answer: False
While 'What's Going On' topped the Billboard Hot Soul Singles chart, it peaked at number two on the Billboard Hot 100.
Marvin Gaye's 'What's Going On' received a Platinum certification in the United Kingdom for sales totaling 600,000 units.
Answer: True
Marvin Gaye's 'What's Going On' was indeed awarded a Platinum certification in the United Kingdom, signifying sales of 600,000 certified units since November 18, 2004.
Marvin Gaye's 'What's Going On' was ranked number 4 on Rolling Stone magazine's '500 Greatest Songs of All Time' in 2004 and 2010.
Answer: True
Marvin Gaye's 'What's Going On' was indeed ranked number 4 on Rolling Stone magazine's '500 Greatest Songs of All Time' in both 2004 and 2010.
What was the initial commercial success of 'What's Going On' upon its release?
Answer: It sold over 200,000 copies within a week.
Upon its release, 'What's Going On' achieved significant initial commercial success, selling over 200,000 copies within its first week.
Which chart did 'What's Going On' top for five weeks?
Answer: Billboard Hot Soul Singles chart
What's Going On' topped the Billboard Hot Soul Singles chart for five consecutive weeks, demonstrating its significant impact within the R&B community.
What was the peak position of Marvin Gaye's 'What's Going On' on the US Billboard Hot 100 in 1971?
Answer: Number 2
Marvin Gaye's 'What's Going On' achieved a peak position of number 2 on the US Billboard Hot 100 in 1971.
What certification did Marvin Gaye's 'What's Going On' receive in the United Kingdom?
Answer: Platinum
Marvin Gaye's 'What's Going On' received a Platinum certification in the United Kingdom for sales totaling 600,000 units.
Which of these accolades did 'What's Going On' receive from Rolling Stone magazine?
Answer: Ranked number 4 on '500 Greatest Songs of All Time' in 2004 and 2010
Rolling Stone magazine ranked 'What's Going On' as number 4 on its '500 Greatest Songs of All Time' list in both 2004 and 2010.
What was the long-term commercial impact of 'What's Going On' for Marvin Gaye?
Answer: It sold over two million copies and forced Berry Gordy to allow Gaye to produce his own music.
The long-term commercial impact of 'What's Going On' was substantial, selling over two million copies and compelling Berry Gordy to grant Marvin Gaye the creative autonomy to produce his own music.
Cyndi Lauper's 1986 cover of 'What's Going On' was a rock song and featured a prominent guitar solo.
Answer: False
Cyndi Lauper's 1986 cover of 'What's Going On' was a synth-pop song, not a rock song, and its genre typically features synthesizers rather than prominent guitar solos.
The Live Aid Armenia cover of 'What's Going On' was released to aid victims of the 1988 Armenian earthquake.
Answer: True
The Live Aid Armenia cover of 'What's Going On' was indeed released as part of the Rock Aid Armenia project to provide assistance to those affected by the 1988 Armenian earthquake.
The Music Relief '94 cover of 'What's Going On' was a benefit single in memory of the Bosnian genocide.
Answer: False
The Music Relief '94 cover of 'What's Going On' was released as a benefit single in memory of the Rwandan genocide, not the Bosnian genocide.
The Artists Against AIDS Worldwide cover of 'What's Going On' was released on October 30, 2001, and its proceeds benefited AIDS programs and the American Red Cross' September 11 fund.
Answer: True
The Artists Against AIDS Worldwide cover of 'What's Going On' was released on October 30, 2001, with proceeds initially for AIDS programs, and later a portion was designated for the American Red Cross' September 11 fund.
Chaka Khan's performance of 'What's Going On' with the Funk Brothers on the *Standing in the Shadows of Motown* documentary earned a Grammy Award.
Answer: True
Chaka Khan's performance of 'What's Going On' with the Funk Brothers in the *Standing in the Shadows of Motown* documentary was indeed recognized with a Grammy Award for Best Traditional R&B Vocal Performance.
Cyndi Lauper's music video for 'What's Going On' was nominated for Best Direction at the 1987 MTV Video Music Awards.
Answer: False
Cyndi Lauper's music video for 'What's Going On' was nominated for Best Cinematography at the 1987 MTV Video Music Awards, not Best Direction.
The Artists Against AIDS Worldwide cover of 'What's Going On' peaked within the top 5 on the US Billboard Hot 100.
Answer: False
The Artists Against AIDS Worldwide cover of 'What's Going On' peaked at number 27 on the US Billboard Hot 100, not within the top 5.
The Artists Against AIDS Worldwide cover of 'What's Going On' achieved Gold certification in New Zealand for selling over 50,000 units.
Answer: False
The Artists Against AIDS Worldwide cover of 'What's Going On' achieved Gold certification in New Zealand for selling over 5,000 units, not 50,000 units.
U2 performed a version of 'What's Going On' on their *Spotify Singles* release in 2017 to promote their album *Songs of Experience*.
Answer: True
U2 performed a version of 'What's Going On' on their *Spotify Singles* release in 2017, specifically as a promotional effort for their album *Songs of Experience*.
The Artists Against AIDS Worldwide cover of 'What's Going On' reached number 1 on the Italian Singles Chart.
Answer: False
The Artists Against AIDS Worldwide cover of 'What's Going On' peaked at number 5 on the Italian Singles Chart, not number 1.
Which artist covered 'What's Going On' for her second studio album *True Colors* in 1986?
Answer: Cyndi Lauper
Cyndi Lauper covered 'What's Going On' for her second studio album, *True Colors*, released in 1986.
What notable sound effect was included at the beginning of the album version of Cyndi Lauper's 'What's Going On'?
Answer: A series of gunshots
The album version of Cyndi Lauper's 'What's Going On' notably begins with a series of gunshot sounds, serving as a reference to the Vietnam War.
What was the purpose of the Live Aid Armenia cover of 'What's Going On'?
Answer: To aid those suffering from the 1988 Armenian earthquake.
The Live Aid Armenia cover of 'What's Going On' was specifically created to provide aid to victims of the 1988 Armenian earthquake.
What was the primary goal of the Artists Against AIDS Worldwide single of 'What's Going On'?
Answer: To benefit AIDS programs in Africa and other impoverished regions.
The primary goal of the Artists Against AIDS Worldwide single of 'What's Going On' was to benefit AIDS programs in Africa and other impoverished regions, with a portion later designated for the American Red Cross' September 11 fund.
Who produced the radio single version of the Artists Against AIDS Worldwide cover?
Answer: Jermaine Dupri and Bono
Jermaine Dupri and Bono co-produced the radio single version of the Artists Against AIDS Worldwide cover of 'What's Going On.'
Which artists performed a version of 'What's Going On' on the documentary *Standing in the Shadows of Motown*?
Answer: Chaka Khan with the Funk Brothers
Chaka Khan, accompanied by the Funk Brothers, performed a version of 'What's Going On' in the 2002 documentary *Standing in the Shadows of Motown*.
Who directed the music video for Cyndi Lauper's version of 'What's Going On'?
Answer: Andy Morahan
Andy Morahan directed the music video for Cyndi Lauper's version of 'What's Going On,' filmed in New York City.
For what award was Cyndi Lauper's music video for 'What's Going On' nominated at the 1987 MTV Video Music Awards?
Answer: Best Cinematography
Cyndi Lauper's music video for 'What's Going On' received a nomination for Best Cinematography at the 1987 MTV Video Music Awards.
What was the peak position of the Artists Against AIDS Worldwide cover on the European Hot 100 Singles chart?
Answer: Number 13
The Artists Against AIDS Worldwide cover of 'What's Going On' peaked at number 13 on the European Hot 100 Singles chart.
What was the peak position of the Artists Against AIDS Worldwide cover on the US Billboard Hot 100?
Answer: Number 27
The Artists Against AIDS Worldwide cover of 'What's Going On' reached a peak position of number 27 on the US Billboard Hot 100.
Which rock band performed a version of 'What's Going On' on their *Spotify Singles* release in 2017?
Answer: U2
U2 performed a version of 'What's Going On' on their *Spotify Singles* release in 2017 as a promotional effort for their album *Songs of Experience*.
What was the peak position of the Artists Against AIDS Worldwide cover on the Italian Singles Chart?
Answer: Number 5
The Artists Against AIDS Worldwide cover of 'What's Going On' achieved a peak position of number 5 on the Italian Singles Chart.
What was the peak position of the Artists Against AIDS Worldwide cover on the UK Singles Chart?
Answer: Number 6
The Artists Against AIDS Worldwide cover of 'What's Going On' peaked at number 6 on the UK Singles Chart.
What was the peak position of Cyndi Lauper's version of 'What's Going On' on the US Billboard Hot 100?
Answer: Number 12
Cyndi Lauper's version of 'What's Going On' reached a peak position of number 12 on the US Billboard Hot 100.