Pride & Joy

Pride & Joy, released in 1963 by Marvin Gaye, is a vibrant testament to the joy of love. Appearing on Gaye’s album ‘That Stubborn Kinda Fellow‘, the song was co-written by Gaye with William “Mickey” Stevenson and Norman Whitfield, and it served as a tribute to Gaye’s then-girlfriend, Anna Gordy.

With its upbeat rhythm blending rhythm and blues with soul, ‘Pride & Joy’ became Gaye’s first top ten pop single, peaking at number ten on the Billboard Hot 100 and number two on the Hot R&B Singles chart. The song’s infectious beat and joyful lyrics mark a memorable moment in Gaye’s career, illustrating his unique ability to capture the essence of love and happiness in his music.

1. Marvin’s Version

In Marvin Gaye’s rendition of Pride & Joy, his smooth vocal style harmonizes perfectly with the lively instrumentals, provided by The Funk Brothers, and the background vocals of Martha and the Vandellas.

Recorded at Hitsville, USA, in Detroit, Michigan, the song showcases a delightful mix of R&B and soul, marked by Gaye’s expressive and soulful delivery. The single version of ‘Pride & Joy’, distinct from the album version, leans more towards a gospel feel, while the album version incorporates a jazzier effect.

2. Other Notable Versions

Over the years, Pride & Joy has been covered by various artists, each adding their unique flavor to this Marvin Gaye classic. Notable covers include versions by Major Lance, Georgie Fame, and The Jackson 5 featuring Michael Jackson.

These renditions vary from live performances to studio recordings, spanning genres from blues to pop, demonstrating the song’s wide appeal and versatility. Each version pays homage to the original while bringing a new perspective, ensuring that ‘Pride & Joy’ continues to be celebrated and enjoyed by new generations of music lovers.

3. Lyrics

And I just love you, love you darlin’
Like a baby boy loves his toy
You’ve got kisses, sweeter than honey
And I’ll work seven days a week to give you all my money
And that’s why, you are my pride and joy
And I’m tellin’ the world that you’re my

Martha & The Vandellas: Pride and joy
Marvin: Pride and joy
Vandellas: Pride and joy
Marvin: I believe I’m your, baby boy
Vandellas: Baby boy
Marvin: And I know you’re my, you’re my pride and joy
Vandellas: Pride and joy
Marvin: Yeah baby
Vandellas: Baby boy
Marvin: Yeah baby
Vandellas: Baby boy

Marvin: You, you are, my pride and joy
And a love like mine
Yeah baby,
Is somethin’ nobody could ever destroy
You pick me up
Vandellas: Pick me up
Marvin: When I’m down
Vandellas: When I’m down
Marvin: And when we go out pretty baby
You shake up the whole town
And that’s why
Vandellas: That’s why
Marvin: You are my
Vandellas: Are my
Marvin: Pride and joy
Vandellas: Pride and joy
Yeah, Yeah, Yeah

Pride and joy
Pride and joy
Pride and joy
Marvin: In the midnight hour
And I, baby boy
Vandellas: Baby boy
Marvin: Whoo
Vandellas: Pride and joy
Marvin: My pride and joy
And I love you,
Like a baby, loves his toy
Ha, hey, yeah, yeah yeah

Vandellas: Pride and joy
Marvin:My pride and joy
Vandellas: Pride and joy
Marvin: Whoo
Vandellas:Pride and joy
Marvin: In the mornin’…
Vandellas: Pride and joy
Marvin: And I……, baby boy

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