Drumless – Marvin Gaye – What’s Going On

“What’s Going On” by Marvin Gaye is a landmark in soul music, but for a fan of the drums, it’s also a masterclass in feel, restraint, and groove as emotional language. The beat doesn’t shout—it listens, breathes, and guides, creating a rhythmic bed that feels human and compassionate, perfectly aligned with the song’s message.

The song was composed in 1970, sparked by a conversation between Motown songwriter Renaldo “Obie” Benson and Al Cleveland after Benson witnessed police violence against anti-war protesters. Benson brought the idea to Marvin Gaye, who was already wrestling with personal loss, social unrest, and a growing frustration with Motown’s formulaic approach. Gaye reworked the song, deepening its lyrics and reshaping the music into something more conversational and fluid. This wasn’t a protest anthem in the traditional sense—it was a question, an open plea for understanding.

That openness is mirrored in the drums. Chet Forest is in the rhythm sessions, with a loose, almost conversational groove that avoids rigid backbeats. The beat sits back in the pocket, slightly behind the time, giving the song its floating, reflective quality. For drummers, this is all about touch. The kick is warm and rounded, never aggressive. The snare is soft, often ghosted, and the hi-hat breathes rather than ticks. It’s a groove built on empathy, not power.

The track was recorded at Hitsville U.S.A. in Detroit, with Marvin Gaye insisting on a more organic, live-feeling approach than Motown typically allowed. Musicians played together in the room, and you can hear it. The drums interact with the bass line instead of dominating it, creating a rolling pulse that feels like a crowd moving together. There’s also subtle hand percussion layered in, adding texture without clutter. For a drummer, it’s a lesson in how less can say more. Every note is placed with intention.

Motown initially resisted releasing the song, fearing it was too political and too different. Gaye stood his ground, refusing to record anything else until it came out. When it was finally released in 1971, it became an instant hit, and the album that followed redefined what soul and R&B could be.

Live, “What’s Going On” became a centerpiece of Marvin Gaye’s performances throughout the early 1970s, especially during shows in the US where audiences were deeply connected to its message. On stage, the drums remained subtle but powerful. The groove would stretch and breathe, sometimes slightly slower, sometimes more open, depending on the mood of the night. In theaters and large halls alike, that laid-back pulse acted like a heartbeat for the entire audience.

For a fan of the drums, this song is about maturity and musical intelligence. There are no flashy fills, no technical fireworks. The power comes from restraint, consistency, and emotional alignment. The drummer isn’t showing off—they’re supporting a conversation between the singer and the world.

“What’s Going On” proves that drumming can be political without being aggressive, powerful without being loud, and unforgettable without ever demanding attention. It’s a groove that doesn’t just move your body—it moves your conscience.