Pride and Joy (Marvin Gaye song)

"Pride and Joy" is a 1963 single by Marvin Gaye,[1] released on the Tamla label. The single, co-written by William "Mickey" Stevenson, Gaye and Norman Whitfield, and produced by Stevenson, was considered to be a tribute to Gaye's then-girlfriend, Anna Gordy.[2] The album version of the single featured on Gaye's second album, That Stubborn Kinda Fellow is different in parts to the single version presenting a more jazz effect than the gospel-emulated version that became a single. The song was also Gaye's first top ten pop single peaking at number ten on the chart and just missed the top spot of the R&B singles chart peaking at number two. The song also helped continue Gaye's successful hit streak as the singer would score another Top 40 pop hit at the end of that year with "Can I Get a Witness".

"Pride & Joy"
Single by Marvin Gaye
from the album That Stubborn Kinda Fellow
B-side"One of Those Days"
ReleasedApril 18, 1963
RecordedSeptember 12, 1962; Hitsville, USA; Detroit, Michigan
GenreRhythm and blues, soul
Length2:05 (single version)
2:36 (album version)
LabelTamla T-54079
Songwriter(s)Norman Whitfield
Marvin Gaye[1]
William "Mickey" Stevenson
Producer(s)William "Mickey" Stevenson
Marvin Gaye singles chronology
"Hitch Hike"
(1962)
"Pride & Joy"
(1963)
"Can I Get a Witness"
(1963)

Background

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The song was also the third straight (and last) single to include Martha and the Vandellas in background vocals just weeks before "Heat Wave" made the girl group one of the high-tier Motown acts. When The Beatles first arrived in New York City in 1964, they requested Murray the K play the song on his radio station.[3]

Track list

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A. "Pride and Joy" – 2:07
B. "One of These Days" – 2:49

Personnel

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Chart performance

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Chart (1963) Peak
position
US Billboard Hot 100[4] 10
US Billboard Hot R&B Singles[5] 2

Cover versions

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References

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  1. ^ a b Marvin Gaye interviewed on the Pop Chronicles (1969)
  2. ^ "Marvin Gaye – Pride and Joy". discogs.com. 18 April 1963. Retrieved 2014-02-15.
  3. ^ The Beatles: The First U.S. Visit (Motion picture).
  4. ^ Whitburn, Joel (2013). Joel Whitburn's Top Pop Singles, 14th Edition: 1955-2012. Record Research. p. 331.
  5. ^ Whitburn, Joel (2004). Top R&B/Hip-Hop Singles: 1942-2004. Record Research. p. 225.