Marvin Gaye 'What's Going On?" Documentary In the Works

A documentary on the life and career of legendary R&B singer/songwriter Marvin Gaye has been confirmed.

The film, which will cover his early life in Washington D.C. to the creation of his seminal 1971 album What's Going On' --which FYI, helped irrevocably change the course of soul music with songs about political unrest, poverty and racial tension--is the first to get the approval of the late star's family, who will contribute never-before-seen archival footage from his three children and former wife. The documentary will also feature interviews with Motown's biggest stars.

 "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 said in a statement.

The documentary is slated for release in 2017.