Main content
Sorry, this episode is not currently available

Marvin Gaye's 'What's Going On' at 50 special

Craig Charles celebrates Marvin Gaye's classic album with a special programme including live performances.

Craig Charles celebrates the album with a special programme exploring the story of the album and its legacy.

As part of the celebrations The Funk & Soul Show will be reimagining the album, with Craig’s Fantasy Funk band and special guest vocalists Joel Culpepper, Terri Walker and Ego Ella May, who will perform tracks from the album which is led by band leader Ernie Mckone.

In 1971 the album reflected the huge social and political issues that were dividing America. The country was dealing with high unemployment, Vietnam war protests and police brutality. Berry Gordy, the founder of the Motown Records had his reservations about the album, as he thought the strong lyrical messages would damage Marvin’s career. ‘What’s Going On’ has gone on to become Motown’s biggest commercial success and many of the themes within the album are still very relevant today. Marvin’s Motown label mate Claudette Robinson, who performed with the Miracles will be a guest, sharing memories of their time together.

1 hour, 28 minutes

Last on

Sat 22 May 2021 19:30

Music Played

  • Ego Ella May & The Fantasy Funk Band

    Right On

    • Live for ´óÏó´«Ã½ 6 Music.
  • Ego Ella May & The Fantasy Funk Band

    What's Happening Brother

    • Live for ´óÏó´«Ã½ 6 Music.
  • Joel Culpepper & The Fantasy Funk Band

    Inner City Blues (Make Me Wanna Holler)

    • Live for ´óÏó´«Ã½ 6 Music.
  • Joel Culpepper & The Fantasy Funk Band

    Wholy Holy

    • Live for ´óÏó´«Ã½ 6 Music.
  • Terri Walker & The Fantasy Funk Band

    What's Going On

    • Live for ´óÏó´«Ã½ 6 Music.
  • Terri Walker & The Fantasy Funk Band

    Mercy Mercy Me

    • Live for ´óÏó´«Ã½ 6 Music.
  • The Marquees

    Wyatt Earp

    • Jasmine Records.
  • Marvin Gaye

    Let Your Conscience Be Your Guide

    • Tamla.
  • Marvin Gaye

    Stubborn Kind Of Fellow

    • Tamla.
  • Marvin Gaye

    Hitch Hike

    • Tamla Motown.
  • Marvin Gaye

    Pride And Joy

    • Tamla.
  • Marvin Gaye

    Can I Get A Witness

    • Motown.
  • Marvin Gaye

    Ain't That Peculiar

    • Tamla.
  • Marvin Gaye

    I Heard It Through The Grapevine

    • Tamla.
  • Marvin Gaye

    Abraham, Martin & John

    • Motown.
  • Marvin Gaye & Tammi Terrell

    You're All I Need To Get By

    • Tamla.
  • Smokey Robinson & The Miracles

    Going To A Go-Go

    • Tamla.
  • Smokey Robinson & The Miracles

    More Love

    • Universal-Island Records Limited.
  • The Miracles

    Shop Around

    • Universal.
  • Marvin Gaye

    Save The Children

    • Tamla.
  • Marvin Gaye

    God Is Love

    • Tamla.
  • Marvin Gaye

    Flyin' High (In the Friendly Sky)

    • What's Going On.

Broadcast

  • Sat 22 May 2021 19:30