Fifty years ago, Marvin Gaye made a creative leap of faith, and gave us one of the most enduring works of the 20th century: his 1971 album, “What’s Going On?” But a little known fact is that he had a little help from his friends -- Mel Farr and Lem Barney of the Detroit Lions. Today, we hear about the circle of  friends who helped Gaye turn his disillusion about the world into one of the best pieces Motown ever released. GUEST:  Justin Tinsley, culture and sports writer for ESPN’s The Undefeated Looking for more conversations from Stateside? Right this way. If you like what you hear on the pod, consider supporting our work. Stateside’s theme music is by 14KT. Additional music by Blue Dot Sessions. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.