MARVIN GAYE is one of the great and enduring figures of American music. His career stretched from Motown pop hits in the early 60's through the classic socially aware albums of the early 70's and the intensely personal records of his later years before his untimely death in 1984 on the eve of his 45th birthday. He won a Grammy award for "Sexual Healing" in 1982 and was inducted in to the Rock 'n' Roll Hall Of Fame in 1987.

"What's Going On" is the story of MARVIN GAYE's extraordinary life and tragic death. The tale unfolds through archive footage of Marvin being interviewed and performing live together with brand new interviews with friends, family and colleagues. The programme goes into intimate detail on the abrasive relationship with his father, on his marriages, his drug abuse and his relationship with Motown and Berry Gordy. His life story encompasses global commercial and critical success but also personal torment and a tragic finale.