Todd Rundgren - What's Going On

Todd Rundgren performs Marvin Gaye's groundbreaking ballad at The Somerville Theater, during his "Have Gun, Will Travel" solo tour in 2003. Designed with a somber jazz-inspired tone, "What's Going On" addressed the political and social troubles of the world and black-on-black crime in a soulful, introspective way, contrasting to the more dramatic socially conscious records made by Sly & the Family Stone and The Temptations over the previous three years. The song originated from an idea by Four Tops member Renaldo "Obie" Benson, who, witnessing stressful conditions while on tour in Europe, began writing a song to express his feelings. Once back in the United States, Benson and Motown songwriter Al Cleveland prepared an initial rough version of the song, and invited Marvin Gaye as a third collaborator on the song. Gaye, depressed from the death of singing partner Tammi Terrell and strongly considering a retirement from performing, planned to produce "What's Going On" as a single for The Originals, but Benson and Cleveland convinced Gaye to record it himself. The song was completed in 1970 before the rest of the album was finished. Motown chief Berry Gordy deemed the record "uncommercial" and initially tried to block its release as a single. He later relented after Gaye threatened to cease recording permanently. "What's Going On" proved to be a substantial commercial hit, paving the way for his forthcoming seminal album release of the same title. "What's Going On" was one of the major hits of 1971 as well as Motown's fast selling single at that point, reaching #2 for three weeks on the Billboard Hot 100 and #1 for five weeks on the Billboard R&B charts. The single would eventually sell over 2.5 million copies, becoming Gaye's biggest US Pop hit since "I Heard It Through The Grapevine" charted in late 1968.
This video (c) 2008 Eddie Goicuria for Adricia Productions. Please do not use without permission of Eddie "brontis" Goicuria, or Todd Rundgren, or crediting as such. Do not spindle, fold, or mutilate. Do not remove tags under penalty of law. Thank you to Todd for a lifetime of incredible music and Sweeter Memories. Todd is Godd!

[@Green-eyedGirl19]

It is amazing that this song was written in the 60's and every word is relevant now.

[@TheVineyarder]

Todd is so flippin' incredible!

[@awizardatruestar]

What a brillliant version and great background from brontis to the writing of this classic song. Viva la Marvin.

[@jerlouvis]

It was great to watch Todd belt out that beautiful classic. Thanks for posting it,it made my day.

[@VenusGrnys]

gotta love that Philly Blue Eyed Soul....sing it Todd.

[@VenusGrnys]

Todd is Godd! Amen!

[@garyscott5347]

Love is the answer.

[@griffinia]

It's just this simple:
TODD IS GODD!!!!

[@lired70]

This is why Todd Rundgren is an uber musician!!

[@SKIPTALK9]

Todd's been tryin to say War is Not the Answer for every War since his Nazz Day's!

[@toddrunt]

All of a sudden we forget about these strong brave men dying for what bush started!WAR IS NOT THE ANSWER! ALONG WITH RELIGON!

[@FIBONICITY]

@DizziNY
War does not lead to peace only death

[@brontis]

分かりません。

[@randypotter7442]

Trump 2020 !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!