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

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.

Musically delightful and time stamps of the listeners life.

Very well done! I truly appreciate it the musical reflections that took me back in time. I had enjoyment while being taken back in time to reflect upon the past. I was very young during all of this but to reflect with a now adult perspective brings me great joy, appreciation, and harmony. it's solidifies the time that I actually got to live through. at the time I was living it my perspective was not that of this story being told because of my age. watching it unravel again was pure joy. the perspectives that were not my own at the time I found to be truly enjoyable. all of this was taking place while I was wrapped in my own little youth world. the Music is everything here adding to entertainment yet pinpointing a time period of life.

SOOO Good

I learned alot about Stevie and some of the meanings of some his most iconic songs!
Great job narrating Mr Wesley Morris!

Awesome!!

I listened to the series from beginning to end. It made me laugh and cry. I grew up listening to Stevie wonder with my Grandparents who are no longer here and i was just blown away by the stories behind songs I’ve played over and over so many times. This is definitely a Must Listen!!

Lots of love and enthusiasm for the man and his music.

Loved that they worked out the rights to include many audio clips. There was decent discussion of his innovation as an electronic keyboardist.
Some of the race and religion discussion was a reach. Critics want every song to have hidden meanings. In the end interview Stevie was like ‘I’m just doing my thing.’ Glad to have this out, but it left me wanting to know more about the music.

Wonderful!

A nice foray into the most creative period of one of the greatest musicians and songwriters of the 60s, 70s and 80s.

Multifaceted perfection!

I loved both the concept and execution of this project: to learn about Stevie Wonder’s music and music-making through the lens(es) of the Obamas.

Things that I never knew...

I liked the interviewer and all the different people he interviewed...the stories that the told was eye opening.

what a joy

this was an absolute joy to listen to. thank you Wesley and all those involved in putting this together.

The Obama interview with Stevie

Really good read with the actual people in it. I love how the author stated open to the views of others he interviewed.

The Spirit of Stevie Wonder

I really enjoyed learning about Stevie Wonder, the man, and Stevie Wonder’s music. I learned a lot and many of the details were very interesting and I believe it has given me a deeper understanding of music that I already love and appreciate, and about music of his that I didn’t know. I didn’t like the super short sound clips. They could have been longer. It would have been more mellow listening. Sometimes I definitely felt an anti white vibe (not from Stevie!) but from Wesley Morris and Michele Obama and I don’t think that was what Stevie would want for a production like this but it was there. I felt it!