Michigan designates Wednesday as 'What's Going On' Day as Marvin Gaye single marks 50 years

(Detroit Free Press) The State of Michigan is saluting an ageless homegrown classic.

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, in tandem with the Motown Museum, is officially recognizing Wednesday as “What’s Going On” Day — on the 50th anniversary of Marvin Gaye’s groundbreaking, still-timely single.

The museum said the designation is kickoff to a year of commemorative activities tied to the album of the same name, which was released four months after the single as Gaye embraced ambitious new sounds and a socially conscious direction.

A “special tribute” document signed by Whitmer and Lt. Gov. Garlin Gilchrist calls “What’s Going On” an influential piece of soul music that inspired other artists to convey “their own feelings, concerns and messages.” ............(more)

https://www.freep.com/story/entertainment/music/brian-mccollum/2021/01/19/whats-going-on-day-michigan-marvin-gaye-anniversary-whitmer/4209408001/