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The Wonder of Stevie

By: Wesley Morris
Narrated by: Wesley Morris, Michelle Obama, Barack Obama, Questlove, Dionne Warwick, Janelle Monáe, Smokey Robinson, Babyface, Ray Parker Jr., Deniece Williams, full cast
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Publisher's Summary

The year 1972 saw the beginning of a five-year span in which Stevie Wonder released five groundbreaking, critically acclaimed albums, garnering him more than half a dozen Grammys and more than 10 million albums sold, securing his place as one of the most important American musicians and songwriters in history.

For the first time, uncover the untold story of an extraordinary artistic journey that shaped the greatest creative era in popular music history. Featuring in-depth musical and cultural analysis from legendary artists, critics, and thought leaders, including Barack and Michelle Obama, Questlove, Smokey Robinson, Janelle Monae, George Clinton, and many more, Audible's new, authorized Original invites audiences on an intimate and sweeping journey deeply infused with star-studded contributors’ unique experiences and impassioned fandom. Hosted by New York Times Pulitzer Prize-winning culture critic Wesley Morris, The Wonder of Stevie revisits Wonder's iconic creative evolution, his transformative spiritual path, and the profound inspiration he drew from both the beauty and pain of the Black American experience—driving his eventual emergence as his generation’s most unflinching and uplifting artistic voice. With each episode dedicated to a particular album, listeners can follow Stevie Wonder’s classic period chronologically or jump to a favorite record or time period of interest.

Set to more than 40 of Wonder’s legendary tunes, the series culminates in a final moving episode exclusive to Audible that finds Stevie Wonder in a profound and enlightening conversation with former president Barack Obama. The Wonder of Stevie is the definitive celebration and examination of a towering icon at the absolute height of his creative powers. Sit back and "luxuriate" in his genius, as Morris puts it. It's time to discover the wonder of Stevie—once and for all.

©2024 Higher Ground, LLC (P)2024 Higher Ground, LLC.

What listeners say about The Wonder of Stevie

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...HERE WE ARE!

Absolutely brilliant! history in the making. Great input through Stevie's life, influenced my early years to-date. God blessed us with Stevie!

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Entertaining, Insightful and just great fun

Well this is brilliant. Wesley Morris is so entertaining and knowledgeable and his fan-boy excitement is contagious. You don't have to be a music-lover to enjoy this. If you like memoir for example, this is an enlivening alternative to the genre. But if you are interested in the creative act and the social context in which it occurs - there is so much to love. If you are interested in music-making - I reckon it will be a favourite listen. Enjoy.

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Beautifully performed and produced, but far too much racial politics.

This is one of the best-performed and produced podcasts I’ve ever heard. The presenter is highly charismatic and infectious in his enthusiasm for Stevie Wonder and his music. The guests were great as well - Barack Obama, what a score!

However the script was extremely repetitive on black racial politics to the point of being incessant. Sure, the political environment around Stevie deserved a mention and some discussion, but their black armband presentation of this history was far too intense for a music show.

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Loved this so much!!

I have always liked Stevie Wonder but I had no idea he was so talented and such a pioneer! The mix of gospel, funk, jazz, pop - all this talent and innovation in one man... what a legend! I enjoyed the way this was put together, the guests, the history, all of it!

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If you’re a Stevie fan, this is a must listen

Like Obama, Talking Book was one of the first albums I purchased…. In my teens. I was hooked and spent my hard earned dollars on the next 3! This historical and personal contexts surrounding the recordings enhances the listening of these genius works. It is so incredibly interesting even if you’re not a fan. But how can you not love Stevie?

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Gives a great insight into the music

As a white person growing up in 60s and 70s I’ve always loved black music especially Stevie Wonder. After listening to this podcast and hearing it from a black perspective gave me a better understanding and therefore a greater appreciation of the music.

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literally the most annoying narrator ever

I lasted about fifteen minutes on what I thought would be an interesting documentary unfortunately that is all I could put up with as the narrator was so bloody annoying that I just couldn't cope with it any longer . I don't know who thought he was a good choice to do the narrative it bloody well wasn't it was the most gratingly annoying voice I have ever heard please redo it with someone more appropriate.

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