May 21st will mark the 45th anniversary of the release of Marvin Gaye’s groundbreaking 1971 album What’s Going On, and to commemorate, Universal Music will release a box set of seven albums called Marvin Gaye Volume 3: 1971-1981.
The set (which will arrive on May 27th) will feature Gaye’s last seven albums he recorded for Tamla Records, an imprint of Motown: What’s Going On, Trouble Man (1972), Let’s Get It On (1973), Diana & Marvin (1973), I Want You (1976), double-album Here, My Dear (1978), and In Our Lifetime (1981).
Four of the LPs — Let’s Get It On, Diana & Marvin, Here, My Dear and In Our Lifetime — will each be released individually. Also, a ten-inch What’s Going On vinyl (and digital) EP will be available on June 24th, comprised of single versions of the title track and “God Is Love.” Also included are two “Motown: Re-Imagined” versions of the title song using only the original instrumentation with BJ The Chicago Kid added to the mix as a duet.
Universal is releasing some classics. Long live soul king, Marvin Gaye!