The Letter Marvin Mailed To His Brother In Vietnam That Inspired “What’S Going On”

April 2, 2025

Marvin Gaye sat at his small wooden desk, the clutter of papers and musical notes surrounding him like a whirlwind of thoughts. The year was 1970, and the world outside his window seemed to be spinning with chaos. The Vietnam War was raging, and thousands of American soldiers were far away, caught in a conflict that felt senseless to many, including Marvin. His heart weighed heavy as he thought about his younger brother, Frankie, who was serving in Vietnam. The news reports painted a grim picture, and the letters he received from Frankie were filled with fear and longing for home. Determined to let his brother know that he was loved and missed, Marvin picked up a pen and began to write.

In that letter, Marvin poured out his soul. He told Frankie about life back home, the laughter and joy mingled with the sorrow and uncertainty brought by the war. He expressed how much he admired his brother for his bravery and how proud he was of him. Marvin wrote about the power of love to overcome even the darkest times, hoping to give Frankie a glimmer of hope. As he wrote each word, the melodies that had been swirling in his mind began to weave themselves into a song. He imagined sharing this message of love and resilience not just with his brother, but with the entire world.

Weeks later, Marvin would find out that Frankie had been injured in the war, and the news shook him to his core. But it was also a catalyst. The experiences of loss, fear, and a desperate need for peace pushed Marvin to turn that letter into something bigger. He began to craft the song that would eventually become “What’s Going On.” Each note resonated with the pain and beauty of the world around him, reflecting the struggles of his brother and so many others who were affected by the war. Marvin’s music transformed his personal pain into a universal message of love, understanding, and the urgent need for change.

When “What’s Going On” was finally released, it was as if the world had been waiting for that very anthem. People connected with the lyrics and felt the truth behind them. Marvin’s soulful voice sang of brotherhood, peace, and the love we all need in times of trouble. The song became a symbol of hope, not just for Marvin and his brother, but for countless young Americans who were grappling with the realities of war and social injustice. It soared to the top of the charts, and with it, Marvin Gaye found a new purpose in his music.

The song changed the trajectory of Marvin’s career forever. He became more than just an artist; he became a voice for the voiceless, a beacon of hope during turbulent times. His letter to Frankie, filled with love and longing, had blossomed into an anthem for an entire generation. Inspired by the strength of family bonds and the enduring power of love, Marvin continued to create music that challenged societal norms and celebrated humanity. Through his resilience and determination, he showed the world that music could heal, inspire, and bring people together, even in the darkest of times.

Marvin Gaye’s story is a reminder of how a single act of love can ripple through the world, inspiring change and igniting hope. With every note of “What’s Going On,” he reached out not just to his brother, but to all those who needed to hear that they were not alone. He turned his pain into passion, and his message continues to resonate, reminding us that love is the most powerful force of all.