The Greatest Musical Acts Of The ’60s And ’70s
Marvin Gaye
Jim Britt/Michael Ochs Archive/Getty Images
“Prince of Motown” Marvin Gaye stands as one of the most influential artists in the history of soul music. Rising as a solo artist in the ’60s, he dominated the airwaves with tunes such as “How Sweet It Is (To Be Loved By You)” and “I Heard It Through the Grapevine.”
Gaye’s success as an artist was highlighted by his best-selling album, What’s Going On. Coming out in 1971, the concept album was touted as revolutionary for its time. Told from the point of view of a Vietnam War veteran, What’s Going On was a social commentary on drug abuse, poverty, war, and global warming.