Final answer:
Marvin Gaye is the Motown artist with hits like "Let's Get It On," contributing to the sound and social commentary of the era. Other influential figures include Sam Cooke and Elvis Presley, who impacted the civil rights movement and music style blending, respectively.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Motown artist in question who had hits such as "Let's Get It On," "How Sweet It Is (To Be Loved By You)," and "What's Going On" is none other than Marvin Gaye. Marvin Gaye's successful career earned him the titles of 'Prince of Motown' and 'Prince of Soul.' His music did more than entertain; it also reflected social issues and helped to shape the Motown sound that became so influential during the 1960s and beyond. While Gaye's contributions to music were remarkable, it's also important to acknowledge other artists like Sam Cooke, who was known as the 'King of Soul' and had an impact on the civil rights movement, and Elvis Presley, whose blending of various music styles was pivotal in the formation of rock and roll.
These iconic figures in music history created a lasting legacy with their innovative sounds and messages. They were part of a larger movement of musicians, including Little Richard, Bill Haley, Chuck Berry, Fats Domino, and Buddy Holly, who brought rock and roll to extraordinary levels of popularity. Young audiences, in particular, were captivated by the new sound that artists like Sister Rosetta Tharpe and Jackie Brantson helped to pioneer, which evolved into rock and roll, changing the music industry and society at large.