Who plays guitar on Marvin Gaye’s 1971 hit ‘What’s Going On’?
Robert White and Joe Messina played guitar on Marvin Gaye’s 1971 song “What’s Going On”. The article highlights their understated contributions to the track, which helped shape its sound alongside the famous bass part by James Jamerson.
Both guitarists were members of Motown’s Funk Brothers: White played acoustic guitar and Messina electric. Gaye reportedly pushed Motown to credit the session musicians on the album sleeve, including Jamerson, percussionist Jack Ashford, White and Messina, despite the label’s usual practice of leaving studio players unnamed.
In short
- Robert White played acoustic guitar on the track.
- Joe Messina played electric guitar.
- Gaye pressed Motown to credit the session musicians.
Explained simply
Motown was the Detroit record label behind many popular soul records of the 1960s and 1970s. Its house band, known as the Funk Brothers, provided the backing music for recordings by artists including Marvin Gaye.
“What’s Going On” was released in 1971, with Gaye singing over a restrained arrangement. Bassist James Jamerson, percussionist Jack Ashford and guitarists Robert White and Joe Messina were among the musicians who helped create its sound.
Motown often left studio musicians unnamed on album sleeves, so listeners might not know who played on a record. Gaye reportedly pressed the label to credit the musicians on this album, bringing attention to the people behind the performance.