Marvin Gaye’s “Stubborn Kind Of Fellow” was a watershed moment in his career and artistry. In 1962, Gaye and Motown were trying to figure out his sound after the failure of his 1961 debut album of jazz and pop classics. Gaye loved the music of Nat King Cole, Ray Charles, Billy Eckstine, and Little Willie John and felt that embracing those styles would attract larger audiences. The Soulful Moods of Marvin Gaye did not sell, and Gaye had conversations with Berry Gordy about his next direction.

Writing sessions with Micky Stevenson produced a fresh R&B sound that resulted in the hit record “Beechwood 4-56789” for The Marvelettes. The success of this single encouraged Gaye to embrace R&B, and he believed this style would lead him into crossover appeal. “Stubborn Kind Of Fellow” had gospel inflections and grit that reflected Gaye’s hunger for a breakthrough. The change produced his first hit record, and the popularity of “Stubborn Kind Of Fellow” made Gaye a major attraction on the 1963 Motortown Revue tour. He performed the song live for the tour’s stop in Harlem at the Apollo, which became Motor Town Revue Vol. 1—Recorded Live At The Apollo. Gaye’s ascendance led to him becoming a foundational artist of the 20th century.

Forty-two years after his violent death at the hands of his father, he is still influential, with his work being the blueprint for artists like October London and his Rebirth of Marvin movement. In 2019, the United States Postal Service honored Gaye by placing his image on a Forever stamp.