Marvin Gaye Behind The Legend

Marvin Gaye is one of the legends of Black 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 Ôn' Roll Hall Of Fame in 1987.

Behind The Legend is a musical biography of Marvin Gaye with a special focus on the later period of his life. It has contributions from Gaye's immediate family and from musicians and producers who worked with him. Also included is rare family archive footage of his "exile" periods in Belgium and Hawaii as well as intimate coverage of his bouts of drug abuse and his triumphant return to Los Angeles. The program features excerpts from "What's Going On", "Distant Lover", "Come Get To This", "Inner City Blues", "How Sweet It Is", "Sexual Healing" and "I Heard It Through The Grapevine".

Using rare footage, interviews with friends and family, and the music of the legendary Motown performer, this documentary examines the enigmatic life and music of Marvin Gaye. The recording of the classic LET'S GET IT ON album is documented, which offers insights into Gaye's struggles with substance abuse. Footage is included from Gaye's own self-imposed exiles abroad. While Gaye staples such as "What's Going On" and "Let's Get It On" are included, so are clips of more unusual Marvin Gaye tracks such as "Funky Space Reincarnation."