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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.