Artists Who Changed Music: Stevie Wonder
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 11 ก.ย. 2024
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Stevie Wonder was born Stevland Hardway Judkinds (later Morris) in 1950, 6 weeks premature and shortly thereafter became permanently blind. “I think I’m very fortunate - I’m very happy to be blind, because I can really observe people by themselves.” 17 year-old Stevie told KRLA Beat in 1967, the words of a man much wiser than his age might indicate.
But then again, Wonder had always been ahead of his time. A child prodigy, he had taught himself to play piano by the age of seven, soon after adding the organ, harmonica, and drums to his list of skills. At 11-years old, he sang for Ronnie White of the Miracles who brought the young musician to the attention of Berry Gordy, founder of Motown Records. He was quickly signed and promoted as “the eighth wonder of the world” and “little boy wonder.” Shortly thereafter, mentor and producer Clarence Paul gave him the name that would last - Stevie Wonder. The “little” nickname, however, would hang on for some time: “Now, just a minute, “This ‘Little’ stuff has got to stop,” 16-year old Wonder once teased back to Shelly Berger (head of Motown’s West Coast office), “I’ve been six feet tall for two years.”
Wonder’s first major hit came as a bit of a surprise, when a live recording from an early Motortown Review (a concert tour of several Motown artists in the early sixties) performance of “Fingertips” was released as a single. Because of its length, the performance was split into two parts (“Fingertips Pt 1 & Pt 2) when released, and it was the second part, with its spontaneous and exuberant energy, hit the top of the charts. Wonder had actually left the stage during the performance, before suddenly returning to complete the song (Pt. 2), much to the surprise of the band, which was already in the midst of changing position for the next artist, Mary Wells, performance. Bass player Larry Moses can even be heard in the track shouting out “What key? What key?”. “Fingertips Pt. 2” hit the number one slot on both the pop and rhythm and blues charts.
The next few years would not see the same level of chart success, as his voice changed and there seemed to be some uncertainty in determining the next course for his career. However, in 1966, Stevie Wonder (minus the “little”) re-emerged as a brilliant and formidable force with his single “Uptight (Everything is Alright)” which hit number three on the charts and kicked off a string of hits - “I Was Made to Love Her (1967), “For Once in My Life” (1968) and “Signed, Sealed, Delivered I’m Yours” (1970) - which would help Motown records make the transition into the next decade.
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Which other artists would you like to see us cover in this series?
Jimi Hendrix
A Band called Death.
Jason Mraz
Prince
Kate Bush.
Hey Warren. Blue Oyster Cult opened for Stevie Wonder in the early days of our career. Superstition was his hit at the time. He was a great performer and I have many stories about his show but the most impressive thing about him took place 10 years later. After the tour was over we took on a short flight to Laguardia and I sat next to him on the plane. We talked about many personal things and music of course. 10 years later I was having dinner with my wife in lower Manhattan and I noticed Stevie in a booth across the room. I took her over to meet him. I said "Hi Stevie. It's Albert Bouchard from Blue Oyster Cult and this is my wife Caryn." He said, "He said. Hi Albert great to see you again. Are you still living in Queens?" We had a great little chat and I was blown away that he remembered what we talked on that half hour flight ten years earlier. He really is a genius.
Thank you for your art, sir. I suppose this will be my only chance ever to thank you. (what's the emoji for "bowing in gratitude"?) 🙏
Thanks ever so much Albert for your amazing comment my friend!! I hope you're doing well!
Thanks for sharing this Albert. I've always assumed he was a super sweet person.
Wonderful Memories Albert, thank you for sharing, this is heart warming!
Is anyone else blown away by how humble Albert Bouchard is with this comment; additionally how humble SW is with this memory? This is the coolest comment I have read on TH-cam in a very long time. Thank you for sharing!!
This ONE MAN is a national treasure. He writes, plays every instrument, sings like a dream, and has the heart of an angel. Stevie is in a class by himself. I love this man. I'm old enough to remember "Little Stevie Wonder". When my daughter was old enough to really appreciate music, I played Stevie for her. She sat with a pencil and paper. A very serious child, she took her music to heart. She was almost eight...I played Innervisions for her. I was shocked when she listened to Living For The City. I told her that every voice she heard was Stevie's voice. Her notes were copious and she had underlined how Stevie had changed the chords from innocent to dark, sad, and dangerous. She hears him age, become angry and hopeless. "Mama! That last part is so SAD! The chorus sings "NO! NO! NO NO! NO NOOOO!!" "What did you learn from this song?" "He was a good young man. He was black and, they took his soul!" Out of the mouths of children...
Thanks ever so much Lisa for sharing that wonderful, beautiful experience you had with your daughter!
His music keeps me young🙏🏾💯
😂🎉❤
I worked on "A Time to Love" ...Stevie was so very gracious as to afford me the unbelievable honor to pick that album cover from about twenty or so photos, trust me when I say that was the best one. It was an honor to be his personal engineer for a very short time, working with Rob Arbittier and gang was also awesome, what an experience , I will never forget it, genius.
Wow! Thanks ever so much for sharing Greg! Truly amazing!
To me, he's the greatest artist in modern music history. Just so sincere and gifted.
Completely agree! So amazing!! Thanks ever so much
Facts the greatest
My sentiments precisely. 😁👍🏿
i am sure someone already said this. he not only changed music, he changed culture
Agreed 100%!
One of the greatest musical geniuses of all times. Wonderful Stevie!
Agreed 100%!
@@Producelikeapro I Love Stevie Wonder and My Favorite Song from Stevie is "Sir Duke"!
Well done Mr. Huart. Stevie Wonder's music is a special gift to the world.
Thanks ever so much! Agreed 100%!!
Arguably, the most incredible pieces of music i have ever heard. Sir Duke, Superstition, Master Blaster Jammin and so much more. Stevie is way above the rest.
Agreed 100000000%!!!!
Stevie performed solo at my HS in 1968, which changed my life. I was awestruck by his takent.
Fascinating!!! Stevie is EASILY one of the most gifted musicians, songwriters, and producers in history!!!
Talking Book blew my mind when I was 13 . . . the songs, the grooves, the voice, the production, the drumming! I was the drummer in my first band and Stevie was my hero, still is. Pure genius! You do a great job with these videos Warren, much appreciated!
Thanks ever so much Willem!!
I am glad to be alive in the same era as this all-time great musician. We're the same age. I grew up with his music and he has influenced me musically. Stevie is a gift from God. He is blessed with immense talent and creativity. Truly a blessed human being. Thank God for him. Thanks for all the great music.
You’re going to love this Warren...in 1976 when I was 13 yrs old I managed to save enough money to buy two albums on the same day Songs in the Key of Life...and Night at the Opera
You have AMAZING taste my friend!!
This was money well spent!
Both great albums from my two fav artists. You have good taste sir. 😃
I grew up in the '80s, so my perception of Stevie Wonder was that of a crafter of somewhat shmaltzy love ballads. It wasn't until I heard Innervisions, and the rest of his '70s output that I realized what a freakin' genius he is! I also realized that I have absolutely zero excuses for my own shortcomings as a musician. 😄
I grew up in the 70’s & Stevie was a staple in my house! I was not a fan of his sentimental ballads & 80’s sounding stuff like Part-Time Lover. I longed for the Stevie of the 70’s & was raised on his most AMAZING work, IMO. He will always be a musical genius & has more than just his own music to show for it. Unfortunately, the 80’s were rough on some big music talent. I have a feeling that it has more to do with the demands of the powers that be in the music industry than with the artists themselves.
I knew he was a great musician, but I never knew what an outstanding creative and innovative artist he really is. I definitely need to take a closer look at his work. Thanks for the video, Warren.
Thanks ever so much Marc! I'm glad to be able to help!!
agreed bro, I liked a lot of his songs already but this is making me seriously consider buying all the albums lol
Stevie also introduced the talk box on a early 1970s Sesame Street episode which was later popularized by Roger Troutman & Zapp which led to today's auto tune sound.
Lots of old albums are things that you only listen to for the sake of nostalgia. I can say that the Wonder albums I own are all records that I listen too regularly- not because of nostalgia, but because they still rock!
Great point!
Agreed! ALL masterpieces!
@@reginaldfairfield agreed!
Wow! I fully agree
@@raymondgracie2592 marvellous!
I bought Songs In The Key of Life when it came out, and it took me awhile to warm up to it. Some months after I bought it, I sat down and gave it a good listen, and I wondered what I had been thinking. Stevie is a genius! And that doesn't really go far enough. The album is simply loaded with great songs. It is one of the greatest ever recorded. Songs is one of those desert island records, no doubt.
Agreed! One of the greatest albums ever recorded!
@@Producelikeapro I remember watching the 1975 Grammys. Stevie had won the Grammy for best album in both 1973 and 1974, but had not put out an album in 1975 while he worked on Songs, which also won the Grammy. I distinctly remember Paul Simon winning the Grammy for Still Crazy After All These Years; Simon thanked everyone for voting for his album and thanked Stevie for not putting out an album that year. I tell that story all the time. It is absolutely true.
@@tommonk7651 yes! I mention that exact thing in the video!
@@Producelikeapro Sure, I heard. I was confirming that it actually did happen. I saw it live. That was back when the Grammys actually meant something. I laughed my head off. LOL
Haha indeed!!
I cried my eyes out at Stevland's concert and proud to have done so hahaha, the absolute man :)
That's amazing! Beautiful!
It's impossible to encapsulate Stevie's genius in a half hour.. it's positively astounding what he's done in his lifetime - the sheer energy of his art was incomparable for at least 20 years, especially if one considers how many "here today-gone tomorrow" artists we've had in the meantime... great video! 🔥
Loved the video!!! My favorite artist through your lens...Great!!!!!!!
Thanks ever so much! Glad to be able to help!!
Long time SW fan. Loved this. When someone has so much musicality in their body, let them play all the instruments. He is unreal
Agreed 100% Ola! Thanks ever so much
Instant like for Stevie, the greatest of all
Absolutely!! Truly amazing!
Stevie Wonders is such a wonderful and inspiring musicians ever. Great visionary in the art of music!
Couldn't agree more!
@@Producelikeapro Absolutely!
It's the internet so of course someone "disliked" this video but man what a lonely place that's gotta be living in a world where you can't like this?!? Love Stevie and appreciate the work you're putting into this series.
Cheers
It’s quite alright! Years ago I asked a TH-cam manager and they said typically it’s rival channels and think that I must be something right! Haha
I have loved Stevie Wonder for as long as I can remember. Fingertips. I still remember the first time I ever heard it. I asked for it again and again and again. I must have been 5 or 6 years old. This is amazing. So happy to learn so much about this wonderful soul.
Thanks ever so much Bobby! I really appreciate your great comment!!
Thank you for this Warren. Over the two years I've been watching, I have noticed Songs In The Key Of Life positioned behind you in many of your videos. You have touched on everything that makes Stevie the formidable figure in music history that he truly is. With the exception of Paul McCartney, I can not think of anyone in the history of recorded music who writes, sings, plays, produces and explores possibilities to the same degree as Stevie; perhaps Prince. Not that Grammys are a measure of greatness; but 25?! Not even McCartney or Prince can lay claim to that. When Elton John and Prince acknowledge Songs In The Key Of Life as the best album ever recorded, one needn't look further for a "seal of approval". I went to a clinic put on by Stevie's former drummer Gerry Brown who argues that Stevie's drum intro in Superstition is the first HipHop beat; he makes a good point. What's astonishing is that drums are Stevie's third instrument, behind keyboards and harmonica! Moreover, Stevie is playing a chromatic harmonica! Few people in the world play it as well (the exception being the late Toots Theilmann). There's also the harmonic complexity with which Stevie writes Pop songs; and gets away with so much while still weaving great melodies throughout. Lastly, who in the 90s and 2000s was the most imitated R&B vocalist for his obligato-styled singing? Pure genius. He's a treasure! Cheers!
Thank you ever so much for your incredible comment! Yes, Stevie has played an integral part to my musical development! My Father bought the Double 8 Track of 'Songs In The Key Of Life' in 1976, it was the Soundtrack to my childhood and therefore the Soundtrack of my life! I agree with everything you said, Stevie's Genius will resonate forever! Thanks ever so much!
Love Stevie Wonder!!! Learning "Sir Duke" helped me to pay the rent with Busking in Berlin haha his music lives forever!!!
That's awesome! Thanks ever so much Ady!
@@Producelikeapro Thanks Warren!!! It just brings up wonderful Memories and on top of that I learned a lot about Stevie Wonder in this amazing video!
Wow, I knew Stevie was prolific, but I didn't realize how much so. Thanks so much -- this was a wonderful documentary!
I agree - the stretch of Stevie Wonder albums between “Music Of My Mind” and “Songs In The Key Of Life” stand up to that of any band or artist. His innovation, songwriting, creativity and multi-instrumental performances are unmatched (at least until you get to Prince). There aren’t many double albums that are mandatory “must-listen start-to-finish”, but “Songs” is one - and that includes the bonus EP!
No one brings the pure, infectious joy like Stevie. “Fingertips, Part 2” & the drum groove from “Superstition” are two fine examples you featured. His chromatic harmonica on Chaka Khan’s cover of Prince’s “I Feel For You” & his song “Perfect Angel”, given to the immortal Minnie Ripperton, are two more.
I got to see Stevie once in the early/mid 80s at NYC’s Radio City Music Hall. Other than the building seeming to levitate once or twice, here are two highlights:
- After ripping through a half dozen songs with Wonderlove to start, he sent them off and told us he was going to play two as-yet unreleased songs and wanted to know which one we thought was better by our applause. I don’t remember what the first one was, but the second one was OVERJOYED. Setup! Wonderlove sure was able to take their sweet time getting back onstage after that...
- Earlier that day, the US Congress had ratified making Martin Luther King‘s birthday a national holiday. You can guess what the last encore was: 6000 happy people continued to sing the hook on the way out & onto Sixth Ave. Never been part of anything like it.
Warren, thank you so much for this heartfelt and comprehensive summary of the life and career of a true giant; you’ve outdone yourself once again.
Great video - so much I didn't know but I have all the classic albums & love them! Stevie sat next to me in a dream on a low brick wall. He said 'This is how you do it' & took my bass & slapped all these different drum rhythms with his left & right hands. I was blown away!
I'd love if Zawinul was covered 🌞 Seasons greetings from Essex 👍
Amazing! Thanks ever so much for sharing!!
@@Producelikeapro 🌞👍
Glad to see less gear reviews and more focus on artists who made us all want to use the gear to its fullest.
Always happy to balance it out evenly!!
Pete Townshend. His impact on Rock is immense. He invented Punk, the Marshall Stack, the Rock Opera, showed the potential of synthesizers, etc.
Yes, huge influence indeed!
@@Producelikeapro Your videos are excellent Warren. I learn so much from them.
@@dr103 Happy New Year! Thanks ever so much!
One of the greatest musical geniuses of all time! Great video, thank you! 🙏
He changed all music!!
Wonder ful video!
Thanks ever so much Michael!
@@Producelikeapro You are welcome!
@@michaeltablet8577 You Rock!
Another great piece. I regard Stevie Wonder as not just an incredible artist but an artist who can bring people together who would normally not find any common ground. His music is that good.
Wow! So well said Michael!
Agreed
Stevie Wonder is a force of nature. I can't begin to imagine how bland life would be without his music affecting my spirit. They say there's no such thing as having a favorite Stevie Wonder song because there are just too many.
Agreed! The master!!
Beautiful video by one of the most beautiful artists to ever live!
Thanks ever so much Apple!
"Songs in the Key of Life" also features the instrumental "Contusion". Which in the most classy manner whispers "I could even make a great Fusion, Return to Forever/Billy Cobham-style record, just didn't want to". 100% pure genius, The Wonder.
Thanks ever so much Julio!
I wish he would record that Fusion album before he leaves us. Contusion JAMS!!!!
Right?
Wow - what a totally professional, fact-filled documentary you’ve given us. The two best arena shows I’ve ever seen were Stevie in ‘76 and ‘80. All of the others - The Stones, Queen, Pink Floyd, Genesis, Eric Clapton, Steve Winwood, Thin Lizzy, ELO, Paul Simon, Bob Dylan, Neil Young, Paul McCartney, Rick Wakeman, Edgar Winter, etc. can’t really compare. All of them great shows, but Stevie takes the cake. Both were two-and-a-half hour shows, his voice totally amazing. God, how I love this man. Thank you for the upload!
Your best, yet... LOVE him and thank YOU.
Thanks ever so much John!
15:00 Glad to be with you and @Rick Beato in the fight against quantizing!
Yes, it's very genre specific!
@@Producelikeapro I think it's a sign of the times: Instagram posts photoshopped to perfection, singers pitch corrected to the point or ironing out any character in their voice, drummers quantized to oblivion so there's no groove or personality...
Welcome to McMusic! Or the Starbuckitization of music!
@@WromWromyou can add over compression to the list.
@@user-fq4yz5ek3r "The Loudness Wars" . You're absolutely right!
One of the best documentaries on Stevie that I've heard!!
Great job!!
Thanks ever so much
When I'm trying to educate some of the younger folk to broaden their musical horizons, I'll just point them to this video series. My dad also had an 8-track which we would play endlessly in his car. It was 'Fulfillingness' First Finale' I practically know every song word for word. Stevie Wonder is truly a musical genius for sure. Thanks for putting the music into it's historical context to give us a greater insight into what was going on behind the scenes.
Thanks ever so much for your kind words and explaining your personal experiences! That means a lot!
With Stevie Wonder we have perfection in all areas of human competences: perfection of voice , full accomplishment in playing various instruments ( piano, harmonica ,drums and others...) , harmonic research, quality of lyrics, high human value... Such an amount of qualities is so rare in only one person that can only enhance admiration. Thanks for this video. Stevie will still remain a classical composer a long time after the end of our era, like other composers that we call classical now.
My mum didn’t really listen to a lot of music but her favourite artists by far were Frank Sinatra and , in later years, Stevie Wonder. She couldn’t get over Stevie’s voice, and found in it something indescribably wonderful. Really enjoyed your bio on Stevie!
Your Mother had amazing taste! Thanks for sharing
Wonder's drumming on Superstition is so good, even the squeak from the bass drum pedal sounds musical!
Agreed 100% masterpiece!!
The intro drums was Jeff Beck's idea.
The first concert of my life was my father taking me at age 13 to see Stevie Wonder. The first album I ever bought was Innervisions. And I loved every minute of this presentation Warren. Thank You 🙏
Wow, thanks so much, this was a wonderful tribute to a truly inspirational musician. Thanks Warren, thank you Stevie.
Hi David! My pleasure! Thanks ever so much
I just called to say, "I love Stevie Wonder"! Thanks Warren. Living proof that you can start life with the odds stacked against you and still achieve greatness.
Absolutely! A true Maestro!!
"Just as kindness has no shame/ know through all your joy and pain/ that I'll be loving you always" Pure soul. Thanks for this one. Stevie is a true great.
Agreed 100%! Thanks ever so much!
An artist who reaches the heights Stevie Wonder did in his "classic" period can be excused for not keeping the trend going.
I have had a long struggle learning to appreciate some of what he has done because I'm not a fan of certain genres,
but I have to say that he IS an incredible musician, songwriter, and producer
who deserves every accolade he receives and then some.
Incredibly engaging and high-quality narrative of one of the greatest artists of our modern era. Thank you for your work, I look forward to more in the series.
Thanks ever so much! I really appreciate it
Excellent overview of the career of Stevie Wonder. Thank you for applying so much love and attention to it. Keep up the good work!
Hi Christopher! Our pleasure!
Stevie has always and will be my Number 1 favorite. No other Artist could I listen to all their albums back to back for a whole day. Never had songs from any other musician to stay stuck in my head months at a time. I have had over 20 of his albums as a teen and all the songs where before my time.
In September 2014, I had the chance to see Johnny Marr at The 9:30 Club. I was teen during his Smiths run and Marr is a hero of mine. But just as I was going to buy, I saw an alert. Stevie Wonder was going to be in concert at the Hockey Arena in DC on the very same night as Johnny!
I got Stevie Wonder tickets, case closed. I worked at Tower Records for 4-5 years. I love Johnny Marr. But Stevie Wonder along with Prince, James Brown, and Miles Davis, are all geniuses whom I would drop everything to see.
Stevie had a huge 20 person band with full brass. India Arie was the female vocalist! Stevie's band did "Songs in The Key of Life" front to back. I had high hopes and it's so lovely when my hopes were justified. Stevie is talent, wisdom and grace.
Thanks ever so much for sharing your experiences!
I truly think
Stevie wonder is the greatest artist of all time
It’s right up there for me in the Top 3!
He’s my favorite artist I think of him as my father he’s like the spine of my artistic career
Thanks ever so much for sharing!
I went to see Stevie at a large arena back in the 90s in England...lots of normally reticent white English men in the audience, from the 1st beat of the drums the entire crowd got their feet, I never saw that before or since...still get goosebumps
Fantastic! Thanks ever so much for sharing Peter!
Warren, I have to confess, my musicality and musicianship grew leaps and bounds due to the music of Stevie Wonder. From Where I'm Coming From to Hotter Than July - those albums shaped me to the musician I am today. I may not be as good as him, but at least he made me understand that you only get great music if your standards are high!
Thank you Warren for featuring Stevie Wonder. I hope to see more and definitely learn more. I hope to be a record producer soon after my touring days are over.... tall ambition I know....but I am determined to learn.
Thanks ever so much! Go for it! I’m sure if you put your heart and soul into it you can become a producer! You love the right music! That’s a great start!
@@Producelikeapro will definitely pursue this! Thanks for the encouragement...
@@bpabustan Of course! You're very welcome!
At one stage I collected every vinyl album stevie ever made, later graduating the same collection to CD. Eventually gave up. Saw him live in Brum at his 40th bday concert. He is the greatest most influential musician and songwriting artist in my life. Long live this prolific legend of a genius of all time!! 👑 🖤💙🎙🎹🎶😎
Great intro!! Impossible to skip! 💪🏽💪🏽
Appreciate it!! Thanks ever so much
So glad you made this video. There's no doubt about it, Superstition and Living For the City (just to name 2) are magnificent tracks. Brilliant!
Couldn't agree more! Thanks ever so much Tony!
This was great! Been a huge SW fan for many years and "Songs In the Key Of Life" changed my life. MJ's "Off the Wall" is also one of my favourite albums, and it features SW on "I Can't Help It". Would be interesting to see "Off the Wall" covered in this series :)
Agreed 100% Hans!
True
Still my favourite album ever.
I think SW and MJ, who are distant cousins were just extremely amazing musically. Off the Wall and Innervisions are my fav by both
One of the last albums that Prince bought before he passed was Talking Book, which inspired me to dig into Stevie Wonder's music. I had the Master Blaster single when I was a kid, but hadn't ever listened to anything beyond his radio hits. What took me so long?! That classic period is so rewarding. Just spectacular music. So funky. He knows how to hit the groove just so! Thx for the video. I will check out those new singles you mentioned.
always a great job! Thanks!!
Our pleasure! Thanks ever so much
My father gave me Songs in the Key of Life when I was 12. It has been my favourite album ever since and will always be.
Thank you so much Warren for this INCREDIBLE video on the legend who inspired me to explore and fall in love with keyboards and synths. 'Songs In The Key Of Life', 'Hotter Than July' 'Characters' and 'In Square Circle' are my all-time favorite Stevie Wonder albums. Although I have never had the chance to see him perform in concert,...
I did get to meet him the night before he was to perform here.
After work on a Friday, 2 coworkers and I decided to gather at a local hot spot to unwind. There was a bar/dance area upstairs and a lounge area downstairs. After hours of chatting, dancing and a few one dollar drink specials; it was time to visit the "loo". LOL! Fortunately for us, the only available bathrooms were downstairs near the lounge. I say 'fortunate' because unbeknownst to us there was a reception for Stevie Wonder, his band and former music director Dr. Henry Panion.
Long story short, In an incredible odd twist of fate; upon my second visit to the bathroom, I was stopped by a gentleman who asked me to wait until Stevie came out. I was like, "What?" Stevie is in there?" I asked him if it was okay if he could possibly let me say hello to him before he returned to his reception and he obliged. It was a special moment as I proceeded to shake Stevie's hand, tell him how much I loved his music and how much he inspired me. I remember to this day, him replying "Thank you, I love you too". It's not often in life that you get a chance to meet a legend of that magnitude. This was before cellphones like we have today, so I have no photo of this chance encounter, but I will never forget it. Thanks for bringing back that memory Mr. Huart.
Happy New Year #2021
Wow!! Thanks ever so much for sharing!! That incredible that you got to meet Stevie! Incredible! Thanks for sharing your wonderful experiences
That is absolutely amazing. Deeply visualizing that, almost brings me to tears. You are so lucky to have had such an experience; I am so genuinely happy for you, from one stevie fan to the next
@@alainaerland4631 Thank you 😊
Awesome video, Stevie is truly mesmerizing.
Thanks ever so much
Loved this! SW is brilliant. Truly love his performance of Fragile with Sting for Sting's 60th birthday concert. Maybe a retrospective/analysis of Sting's music?
Wonderful Lee! Thanks ever so much
Goosebumps man... had no idea!
Thanks ever so much Dan!!
Great video, Warren! Stevie's Songs in the Key of Life tour in 2014 was hands down the best concert I've seen...and I've seen some great ones!
Thanks ever so much for sharing! That's amazing!!
I caught that tour in Oakland, CA. So great, except there was a whole row of loud, drunk white (i'm white, but god they were barely paying attention to the show. so obnoxiously privileged) women in front of my family's seats. Fortunately they left pretty early (showing their priorities).
Great programme. Keep um coming Warren 🤟🏾
Thanks ever so much! I really appreciate it!!
Thank you for delving deep into Stevie's classic period. This was really wonderful to watch.
Just awesome! This has got to be your best in this series. Well, well done! Unless I missed it, I'm surprised you didn't mention that his daughter Aisha "Isn't She Lovely" Morris is a backup singer for him.
Thanks ever so much Dave for sharing!
An enlightening and well done piece. In the late 70's I saw, heard, and felt the full Stevie attack at Maple Leaf Gardens in TO. We were at opposite end of the stage, and I swear our concrete bleachers vibrated at times.
I was in heaven then. Today, I'm in heaven when I play Superstition on the bass with my buds. That piece never gets old and it brings everybody to the dance floor. Cheers and thanks.
Wow! Thanks ever so much Fred for sharing!!
Thanks Warren. Great video on a great man. Stevie 1982 Swansea, Wales was greatest concert I've ever been to. Seen him twice since, London and LA but the band, stage set up, production and acoustics in Swansea was out of sight.
Beautiful. It was said of the boxer Joe Louis, " He is a credit to his race. The Human Race. "...I really believe this describes Stevie Wonder as well. An incredible human being. Thanks Warren.
Yes, indeed! Thanks ever so much
Thank you! That was my second time watching this, and I have been a Stevie Wonder fan since my teens. Yours is a “wonderful” summation of his career!
Without Stevie I probably wouldn’t play music. He sparked it in me from jump
Agreed 100% Kody!! Thanks ever so much
Stevie Wonder is my all time favorite artest. He was very impactful in London during my growing years as a youth and music lover. Everyone that I know had a profound love and respect for Stevie Wonder and his musical style and genius abilities. Although undoubtedly I have great love for other artists, Stevie Wonder reaches me in a way unlike no other! There is perhaps something spiritual that makes him extraordinary. I simply can't say enough about the encomparable Stevie Wonder. ❤👑💎🎤
He is my favorite male singing artist!! I LOVE him & in AWE of his lyrical & musical talents!
And he’s FINE!
Thanks ever so much
Great video. Innervisions is my favourite
Incredible Album!
My dad is a great musician and when I was a little kid in the early to mid 70's I remember my pop jamming to SW in the van on the way to his gigs. Such a great memory and made me a fan at a very young age. Thanks for doing this one and all the others of course too.
Stevie Wonder's music is truly timeless. I've never known an artist as original, organic, or soulful as him. I always imagined his work as a bottomless treasure chest. Even a song I've heard hundreds of times can be rediscovered because of his creative mastery. His music really reaches my heart and mind like no other.
Agreed 100% Shen! Thanks ever so much
@@Producelikeapro Great stuff all around Warren! It's a pleasant surprise to see such a dedicated video on Stevie.
@@TheShenandoahPerry thanks ever so much! Stevie is one of most important musicians in the world to me!! I grew up on Songs In The Key Of Life! I’ve listened to that album so many times! So beautiful!!
Every now and then, all great skills of music creation falls upon one person. Writing, musicianship, production, and vocal performance. Stevie Wonder was there for that convergence. There will never be another Stevie Wonder. Others artist have been blessed with this convergence of skills but there will never be another Stevie Wonder. An American masterpiece.
It never ceases to amaze me at how much the English love Motown music/good music & how much I love English music/good music when I’m from Detroit! LOL! Stevie Wonder was a staple in my house growing up in the 70’s. I can’t even tell you many times his albums were played. Because I was raised on the best music he made, I wasn't a fan of his 1980’s sounding music (I Just Called to Say I Love You, That’s What Friends Are For, Part-Time Lover, etc.), but he will always be one of the greatest, most important music artists of all time. Thank you for a very cool trip down memory lane!💜
Stevie Wonder is one of the greatest artists of all time. Thanks for the kind words! I really appreciate it
I think Thomas Dolby and Prefab Sprout's Steve McQueen deserves a look
Stevie wonder has always been my favorite since I was a little boy. I loved the documentary on Stevie wonder even though I wish it went a little bit more into his personal life. However I loved learning the facts of his career. Thank you 🙏!
Thanks ever so much!!
Wow. I knew modern music owes a lot to Stevie Wonder but I hadn't realized how much the sort of gritty, socially conscious songs which mix real instruments with heavy electronic elements and with the production used as an integral part of the sound, which I love -- how much in-debt that type of music actually is to him.
Amazing.
About fifty years ago, I was going through a what I can only describe as a musical doldrum, being originally raised on a diet of American singers like Sinatra, Bennett etc., followed by the popular revolution of the Merseybeat. I asked a much younger work colleague what he recommended as something to refresh my musical pallet. He said try Stevie Wonder’s Talking Book and as the saying goes, the rest is history. (Thank you Trevor Johnson for the recommendation.) The Talking BOOK tracks Superstition, Maybe Your Baby and Big Brother particularly the first absolutely blew me away and still make the hairs on my neck stand up. Dear Mr Wonder, you are indeed truly wonderful and I thank you for your music from the bottom of my heart and will do for the remainder of my life.
Thank you so much for this !!! Not easy to do it in 30 minutes. Great video as usual 😊. I'm so grateful to Stevie Wonder for his music. My favourite artist and a life hero that teaches us that overcoming difficulties is possible!! Cheers from Italy 🇮🇹 and take care 😀
Hi Antonello! You are so welcome! Yes, Stevie is such a huge inspiration to all of us in the Music Community!
Stevie along with Prince are two of my biggest musical influences and got me interested in wanting to learn how to play.
Wonderful! Yes, Songs In The Key Of Life was a huge influence on me!
@@Producelikeapro likewise! That was the first album by Stevie I was exposed to. It changed my life!
@@PurpleMusicProductions amazing!! Thanks for sharing
Hey Warren, Merry Christmas to you, your Family and your marvelous team :)
I saw Stevie at the Bell Center in Montreal a couple of years Ago Great Artist and after all this time he still give 100% of himself every night ! Thanks again for all your GREAT Video !
Another killer video, Warren. Jeff Beck has said that they were in the studio when Stevie had gone out for lunch and Jeff jumped behind the drum kit to mess around. Stevie returned and heard what he was playing and began to play the clavinet while a demo was cut. Afterwards, Stevie re-played the drum part and all the other instruments. The song was supposed to be for Jeff Beck, but Berry Gordy heard it and demanded Stevie's version be released first. Jeff did record it with Beck, Bogart, and Appice, which is a great version, but Stevie's the OG. Stevie Ray Vaughan's cover kind of hints at both, plus has that Texas blues.
Yes! Love that story
Worth mentioning is that the early marketing of his as a “Genius” was Motown trying to capitalise on Ray Charles’ fame, who was also called a “Genius” on record covers at that time, and of course, was also blind. In retrospect, I find that the “genius” designation turned out to be even more fitting in Stevie’s case.
Stevie Wonder is the J.S. Bach of soul/r & b. When I saw him at Mohegan Sun he played "Giant Steps" on the piano. The man is born blind and played that piece to PERFECTION, while I continue to struggle with it on the guitar.
One of the greatest musicians of all time!!
And songwriter and Producer!!
Saw Stevie at The Fox in Atlanta on tour that supported his live album with the string section (but not real horns though). I remember the plexiglass being used to help isolate the strings from the other instruments. Stevie played deep cuts from SITKOL, a wealth of newer tunes (including Blues For Stevie Ray), and a virtual greatest hits set that was non-stop. Ever since picking up his Original Musiquarium collection, I've been in awe of his songwriting and production. Wish you had mentioned Overjoyed - a true highlight from the latter era that belongs in the classic era of notoriety.
Hi John, Thanks ever so much for sharing your insight! I really appreciate it!
Stunning piece. Brilliant cinematography. I fell in love with Stevie in 1968. Great video. Priceless human being.
Stevie Wonder ... just bringing his being and music to mind is uplifting. Much love. Nice one Warren.
Glad you enjoyed it