"Joy" is a 1983 single released by Marvin Gaye, the final single issued from his Midnight Love album. The song, which was built around a funk vibe, was inspired by Gaye's religious background, which had also inspired songs such as "God is Love", "Everybody Needs Love" and "Praise". Gaye introduced the song as a tribute to his father during his 1983 concert tour.
It was also the final single released before Gaye's death in 1984.
Track listing
7" single
- "Joy" – 3:55
- "Turn On Some Music" – 5:08
12" single
- "Joy" (Parts 1 & 2) (Special Extended Remix) – 6:40
- "Turn On Some Music" – 5:08
Credits
- All vocals by Marvin Gaye
- Instrumentation by:
- Marvin Gaye: drums, Fender Rhodes, synthesizers, bass synthesizers
- Gordon Banks: guitars, bass
- Bobby Stern: tenor saxophone solo
Chart performance
The song peaked at number seventy-eight on the Billboard R&B singles chart, and was the last single Gaye released while alive. Three later posthumous releases would reach the Billboard R&B top 40 over the next twenty years.
