Marvin Gaye What's Going On Documentary In The Works!

Variety is reporting that Marvin, What's Going On? goes into production this year and will include contributions from Gaye's three children and former wife, Janis. The film marks the first time the late singer's family has lent their support to such a project. It is set to be released in 2017.

"We look forward to participating and sharing what we can through friends, family, photos, footage and priceless stories that only those who knew our father up close and personal would know, as well as his contemporaries, purists and fans who have studied him and his art over decades," Gaye's children, Nona, Marvin III and Frankie, said in a joint statement.

The documentary will be directed by Gabriel Clarke and Torquil Jones of Noah Media Group. Previously, Clarke directed the 2015 doc, Steve McQueen: The Man and Le Mans, about the famed action movie star's 1971 race car flick flop, Le Mans.

The album was recorded at the peak of the legendary Motown Era in Detroit during the Vietnam War and Martin Luther King Jr. assassination. It was inspired by his brother's letters he received. His brother was serving in the war at the time.

Gaye wanted the album to "reflect America through the eyes of a vet returning home." The project also covered topics on war, police brutality, loss, and protest. The film producer stated that Marvin, What's Going On? will be "the defining portrait of this visionary artist and his impeccable album.., Gaye produced an album that challenged America and the world to self reflect, going on to inspire a generation of artists and music lovers...The relevance of {his} masterpiece...is as strong as ever."

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One of the greatest songs ever. Almost never got released Marvin Gaye...."What's Going On" We owe so much to "Let's Get it On," and the fact that at one time Marvin Gaye wasn't given his way is downright terrifying, but it's true. About a decade into his career, Gaye had already established himself as an extraordinarily singular Motown talent, despite frequently bristling against the regimented structure of the Detroit label.

"What's Going On" pleads for understanding. In the background of the master track, you can hear a party going on from which Gaye's voice is markedly detached; a lonely, but passionate, voice in the crowd. The result of Gaye's complex songwriting, mixed with his abilities as a producer and an arranger was startlingly different from anything previously released by Motown. When the final master 45 was presented for release, The CEO of Motown called it "the worst record he had ever heard."

Gordy apparently believed that the music-buying public at the time would not be able to identify with a heartfelt cry of confusion and despair over social unrest and injustice. Guessing he hadn't picked up a newspaper since early November of 1963.Marvin stood his ground, however, threatening to walk away from music forever and, after a short stand-off, "What's Going On" was released, and critical and commercial response was almost instant. It became Motown's fastest selling single, the biggest hit of 1971,

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