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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.
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About the Creator and Host

Wesley Morris is a critic-at-large at the New York Times and a staff writer at the New York Times Magazine, where he writes about popular culture and hosts the podcast Still Processing with J Wortham. For three years, Morris was a staff writer at Grantland, where he wrote about movies, television, and the role of style in professional sports and co-hosted the podcast Do You Like Prince Movies? with Alex Pappademas. Before that, he spent 11 years as a film critic at the Boston Globe, where he won the 2012 Pulitzer Prize for criticism. In 2021, he was awarded a second Pulitzer in criticism for his writing at the Times. He’s from Philadelphia, PA, lives in Brooklyn, NY, and is a graduate of the Yale class of 1997.

About the Creator and Guest

Michelle Robinson Obama served as First Lady of the United States from 2009 to 2017. A graduate of Princeton University and Harvard Law School, Mrs. Obama continues to be a dedicated public servant and advocate, working to encourage the next generation to pursue higher education and participate in public service, a commitment she has upheld before, during, and after her role as First Lady.
Mrs. Obama’s passion for storytelling has earned her global acclaim. Her memoir, Becoming — a moving portrayal of her life’s journey and path to the White House — spent over 130 weeks on the New York Times Best Sellers list, sold more than 15 million copies worldwide, and won a Grammy Award. Her second book, The Light We Carry: Overcoming in Uncertain Times, also spent months on the New York Times Best Sellers list.
Through Higher Ground, which she co-founded with her husband in 2018, Mrs. Obama’s work to share stories has won awards and accolades. Mrs. Obama produced and stars in Waffles + Mochi, a show that teaches children about their food and cooking through an adventurous part-yeti, part-waffle tour guide. The Light We Carry Netflix special recently earned an Emmy nomination for Outstanding Hosted Nonfiction Series or Special. Mrs. Obama is reaching new, diverse audiences through the world of podcasting, most recently with The Michelle Obama Podcast on Spotify and Michelle Obama: The Light Podcast on Audible.

About the Creator and Guest

Barack Obama was the 44th president of the United States, elected in November 2008 and holding office for two terms. He is the author of three New York Times bestselling books, Dreams from My Father, The Audacity of Hope, and A Promised Land, and is the recipient of the 2009 Nobel Peace Prize. He lives in Washington, D.C., with his wife, Michelle. They have two daughters, Malia and Sasha.

About the Creator and Guest

Questlove is a six-time Grammy Award–winning musician, an Academy Award–winning filmmaker, and a drummer, DJ, producer, director, culinary entrepreneur, New York Times bestselling author, co-founder of The Roots, and musical director for The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, where The Roots serve as the house band. He is the author of the New York Times bestsellers Mo’ Meta Blues, Creative Quest, Music Is History, and co-author of his first children’s book—the first in a series— The Rhythm of Time, as well as the James Beard Award–nominated somethingtofoodabout, Mixtape Potluck, and the Grammy-nominated audiobook Creative Quest.
Questlove made his directorial debut with the documentary The Summer of Soul, which won the Academy Award, Grammy Award, and BAFTA Award, which broke the record for the highest-selling documentary to come out of the Sundance Film Festival. He is the publisher of AUWA Books, an imprint of MCD / Farrar, Straus and Giroux.

What listeners say about The Wonder of Stevie

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

Soundtrack to my childhood

And teenage years… This was really good. I’m glad Audible put all the podcasts together in a “book.” Loved the bonus track with Stevie Wonder himself and President Obama.

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3 people found this helpful

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Knowing the background and history of some of the music I’ll always treasure

A great tale of a true American Genius. Very inspiring, entertaining and enlightening. I will be pulling out of albums to feel what this book revealed.

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1 person found this helpful

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Clips of Stevie’s music

A must listen for Stevie fans, incredible insight, and interpretation of the incredible music of Stevie Wonder .

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Host

Amazing throughout. Great information and presentation present so in depth and beautifully. Would recommend to anyone

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  • Overall
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As

Stevie is still to be fully embraced as a genius in the path of Mozart/bach/Beethoven/Leonardo da Vinci, especially as a multi dimensional person of art and science. Stevie Wonder is a social commentary, philosopher, Musician brilliant, lyricist, and love, commando,!
Secret life of Planets should assuredly be remixed/remastered, rereleased with a deft digital marketing plan to a generation with a completely higher level of sensitivity to nature’s beauty and value - this is a wonderful over due examination of this amazing life. If there is justice, there should be a major special that carefully examines the life of Stevie Wonder. If there is any justice, a bio pic is in the mix! this was multidimensional and very thoughtful. I am very, very grateful.

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  • Overall
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Beautiful!

Stevie is a genius and will be studied for many years to come! I loved everything about this!

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Golden Wonder

An incredible walk through of one of the greatest periods of modern music period. Infused with interactions from other incredible folks of our time, it's nice to hear how we have all been profoundly impacted by one man and a collection of the most incredible albums to this day.

Just listen and thank me later. BTW, this literally should be a 6-part Netflix series.

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Great world Wonder

Stevie Wonder's forget into manhood musically changed the world. He gave us a magically period where he have us his truth thru his music. Music onmy mind,talking book,Fufillings first finale,Innervisions and Songs in the key of life, the world saw his genius

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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Love podcasts that play music clips.

The story writes itself.Stevie is an undeniable legend and even hard rock/ heavy metal lovers like me can't deny great music of other genres.Motown is timeless as is Stevie.
Only reason not all 5 across the boards is the virtue signalling white guilt liberal preaching.Everyone knows what went on back then and it has to be mentioned but these snowflakes always overdo it unfortunately.

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Loved it!

I all but burst into song at my desk as I listened to this recording. It brought back great memories spent listening to some of my favorite songs by a beloved performer. Thank you, Stevie Wonder, for your gift of music and your generous heart.

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