Classic Albums - Stevie Wonder: Songs in the Key of Life

Starring:Raymond Maldonado, Trevor Lawrence (II), Herbie Hancock, Susaye Coton, Raymond Pounds, Shirley Brewer, Ben Bridges, Coolio, Stevie Wonder, Aisha Morris, Dean Parks, Nathan Watts, John Fischbach, Imhotep Gary Byrd, Larry Gittens, Michael Sembello, Steve Madaio, Ronnie Foster, Quincy Jones, Keita Morris
Director: David Heffernan
Studio: Rhino / Wea
Product Type: DVD

Editorial Review:
Amazon.com
The making of Stevie Wonder's 1976 double-album masterpiece Songs in the Key of Life--still his linchpin work--is entertainingly recounted in this Classic Albums documentary on the 20th anniversary of its release. Interviews with Wonder and the musicians and technicians involved revisit many now-classic songs like "I Wish," "Sir Duke," and "Isn't She Lovely" (which includes a vocal appearance by Wonder's then-infant daughter, Aisha, who two decades later discusses her contribution). The record's lasting influence is brought up by producer Quincy Jones, keyboardist Herbie Hancock, and the rapper Coolio, who had a smash hit in 1995 with "Gangsta's Paradise," a reworking of Wonder's "Pastime Paradise." Reuniting with the musicians, Wonder runs through some of these classic tunes, one of several highlights. --Kevin Filipski
Description
Taking more than two years from conception to release, Stevie Wonder's classic 1976 double album, Songs in the Key of Life, is now generally considered his finest creative hour in an enduring, influential career of nearly four decades. Songs in the Key of Life is also regarded by many music fans as one of the outstanding albums to appear in that entire timespan.

Released in October 1976, Songs in the Key of Life entered the U.S. Billboard album chart at No. 1 and remained there for 14 weeks, topping off a 44-week chart residency in the Top 40. Its success amply rewarded Motown Records' earlier $13 million investment in Wonder when it had re-signed him to the label. The deal was the largest in recording history at the time.

Songs in the Key of Life also reached No. 2 in the U.K., remaining on the charts for over a year, and was a worldwide best seller. Two singles from the album, "I Wish" and "Sir Duke" (the latter dedicated to the great jazz legend Duke Ellington), both reached No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 and were also U.K. Top 10 hits.

This outstanding chart success was consolidated when Steve Wonder won Album of the Year at the 1976 Grammy Awards. He was also named Producer of the Year and won the Best Male Vocal Performance category.

The remarkable story behind Wonder's Songs in the Key of Life project is told here. Stevie himself reminisces about the inspiration for the album, and there are also contributions from Motown founder (and Wonder father figure) Berry Gordy, Quincy Jones, Herbie Hancock, and lyricist Gary Byrd, among many others. In addition, there is a unique reunion of the musicians who played on the original album sessions.

Amazon.com

The making of Stevie Wonder's 1976 double-album masterpiece Songs in the Key of Life--still his linchpin work--is entertainingly recounted in this Classic Albums documentary on the 20th anniversary of its release. Interviews with Wonder and the musicians and technicians involved revisit many now-classic songs like "I Wish," "Sir Duke," and "Isn't She Lovely" (which includes a vocal appearance by Wonder's then-infant daughter, Aisha, who two decades later discusses her contribution). The record's lasting influence is brought up by producer Quincy Jones, keyboardist Herbie Hancock, and the rapper Coolio, who had a smash hit in 1995 with "Gangsta's Paradise," a reworking of Wonder's "Pastime Paradise." Reuniting with the musicians, Wonder runs through some of these classic tunes, one of several highlights. --Kevin Filipski

Description

Taking more than two years from conception to release, Stevie Wonder's classic 1976 double album, Songs in the Key of Life, is now generally considered his finest creative hour in an enduring, influential career of nearly four decades. Songs in the Key of Life is also regarded by many music fans as one of the outstanding albums to appear in that entire timespan.

Released in October 1976, Songs in the Key of Life entered the U.S. Billboard album chart at No. 1 and remained there for 14 weeks, topping off a 44-week chart residency in the Top 40. Its success amply rewarded Motown Records' earlier $13 million investment in Wonder when it had re-signed him to the label. The deal was the largest in recording history at the time.

Songs in the Key of Life also reached No. 2 in the U.K., remaining on the charts for over a year, and was a worldwide best seller. Two singles from the album, "I Wish" and "Sir Duke" (the latter dedicated to the great jazz legend Duke Ellington), both reached No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 and were also U.K. Top 10 hits.

The remarkable story behind Wonder's Songs in the Key of Life project is told here. Stevie himself reminisces about the inspiration for the album, and there are also contributions from Motown founder (and Wonder father figure) Berry Gordy, Quincy Jones, Herbie Hancock, and lyricist Gary Byrd, among many others. In addition, there is a unique reunion of the musicians who played on the original album sessions.

Customer Reviews:

Isn't It Lovely.......2007-02-19

The past several years definitely haven't brought so much feeling to classic R&B music. It has really been more about acts that have been about looks and the way that they dance like Ciara, Ashanti, and Usher to name a few. Nevertheless, it is very sad that there really isn't as much diversity. It sometimes makes me feel more interested in classic music from soul greats like Stevie Wonder. Although there have been many records that sound distincitive from him, many people in this generation really who are more into Kelly Clarkson, really don't know how diverse and universal his classic gems really are on the radio, and how much they continue to influence so many great singers. This documentary shows how much one of his most gifted records was ever showcased to the public.

Classic Albums: Stevie Wonder - Songs In The Key Of Life, is a well-conjured 1997 documentary, which was recently televised on the VH1 Classic channel that reflects what made this Motown classic into a worldwide smash record, and how diverse the songs were all thought of. The documentary highlights Stevie, Motown founder Berry Gordy, and all the musicians who were a part of this landmark 1976 record, including keyboardist Herbie Hancock. The documentary also includes Stevie and company re-recording classic tracks including I Wish, Isn't She Lovely, Past-time Paradise and how it was later sampled by Coolio for his #1 smash Gangsta's Paradise. The show was remastered very well, and brings out a real feeling of classic Soul music. The feeling is great and the music is just as lively as it was released years ago.

All in all, Classic Albums, the documentary series from BBC has made a great number of documentaries reflecting some of the best music in the industry, and reflecting on Stevie Wonder's Songs In The Key Of Life is absolutely no acception. I definitely recommend this documentary for any Stevie Wonder fan or any Motown fan, or for those who really have missed a great era of classic music. I loved watching this documentary on VH1 Classic, and if you haven't seen it yet, you really don't know what great records like this one are made of, otherwise it is just a past-time mistake.

DVD Cover: B

Extras: B

Price: B 1/2+

Remastering: B+

Overall: B 1/2+

Stevie Wonder Classic Album.......2006-02-25

I teach a course on the History of Rock Music and this DVD will be the centerpiece on 70's funk. Great interviews with Herbie Hancock, Berry Gordy and the backup band(Mike Sembello is crazy). Excellent classic footage of Stevie and great interviews on the making of the record. They also recreate some tracks and show great footage of Stevie rockin' out on the drums, of whick I love, cuz I'm a skin beater myself. Great stories of each song, like Village Ghetto Land, are included with interviews of Stevie and the lyricist. Overall, it sheds much light on one of the greatest records ever. Stevie lovers will pop a musical boner over this one!!

Great Overview.......2004-06-02

This was really informative and interesting. The only problem I really had with it was the fact that Stevie didn't speak as much as I would have liked. I am more than a little intrigued by him and would have enjoyed listening to him talk about his ideas and views on the issues he expressed in the songs more. I was aware of his sense of humor which was touched on a bit throughout the film. He's an interesting character and I really was expecting a bit more from him actually (Berry Gordy and Quincy Jones' comments minimalized would have been great). They didn't cover all the songs which would I was surprised about. A couple of my favorites, Joy inside my Tears and All Day Sucka were not mentioned AT ALL and these are not classics, as singles, but worthwhile to talk about, I thought. Anyway, if one is a fan of Stevie, a true fan, and owns the album, having this documentary is a must.

This IS Magic!.......2004-03-16

Okay-this is it!!!Stevie takes you into his studio as she takes
you and his old band on a journey through the piecing together
of tunes such as "I Wish","Black Man" and "Pastime Paradise".Listen to the alum and then whatch this-it will amaze
you!

could of included more music from stevie!.......2002-03-23

shame about this dvd...
NOT GOOD SELLING DISCS...shame its content has more talking... than music... but the two songs on the disc are gems...!!

Classic Albums: Stevie Wonder - Songs in the Key of Life

Average customer rating:

must own DVD

Classic Albums: Stevie Wonder - Songs in the Key of Life
Starring: Raymond Maldonado , Trevor Lawrence (II) , Herbie Hancock , Susaye Coton , and Raymond Pounds
Director: David Heffernan
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | R&B | Styles | Music

Documentary | Musicals & Performing Arts | Genres | DVD | Video

( C ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video
Similar Items:

Classic Albums - Queen: The Making of A Night at the Opera
Classic Albums - Stevie Wonder: Songs in the Key of Life

ASIN: B00004RJAY

Customer Reviews:

must own DVD.......2006-08-17

Stevie Wonder is One of the Baddest Artists Ever&truly a huge impact on me. i bought this on VHs quite a few years back&now on DVD it's a great must have. watching Stevie Wonder on the drums alone is worth the purchase alone. watching&hearing the ENgineering break down of parts of the tracks is also a real treat. so many great songs, memorys&moments that are reflected on this Classic Album by Stevie Wonder. great hearing&Seeing all the talented Musicians who participated on this Landmark Album.

Classic Albums: Stevie Wonder - Songs in the Key of Life [Region 2]

Average customer rating:

must own DVD

Classic Albums: Stevie Wonder - Songs in the Key of Life [Region 2]
Starring: Raymond Maldonado , Trevor Lawrence (II) , Herbie Hancock , Susaye Coton , and Raymond Pounds
Director: David Heffernan
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

Documentary | Musicals & Performing Arts | Genres | DVD | Video

( C ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video
Similar Items:

Classic Albums - Queen: The Making of A Night at the Opera
Classic Albums - Stevie Wonder: Songs in the Key of Life

ASIN: B00004VY5F

Customer Reviews:

must own DVD.......2006-08-17

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