The Wonder of Stevie

Podcast Trailer

Publisher:
Audible, Higher Ground, Pineapple Street Studios

The Wonder of Stevie

5.0/5

Critic Rating

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.


Critic Reviews

Score: 5

Eliana Dockterman • Time Nov 18, 2024

"Even if you don’t care about Wonder, you should care about what Morris cares about: He is always able to succinctly divine meaning from great art. And this podcast in particular is a joyful celebration. He also heroically moderates a conversation in the final episode between Barack Obama and Stevie Wonder himself."

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Score: 5

Fiona McCann • Irish Times Oct 22, 2024

"This full and fervent tale is replete with anecdotes...He holds sacred moments such as seeing the keyboardist Greg Phillinganes re-create a complicated run from the song Contusion, and we all feel blessed....The Wonder of Stevie accomplishes the best of criticism, leading us towards a fuller appreciation of the complexity and marvel of an artist at the apex of his creative life."

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Score: 5

Fiona Sturges • Financial Times Sep 29, 2024

"A two-time Pulitzer Prize-winner for his journalism, he(Morris) is an excellent host: funny, authoritative, delighting in detail. I won’t divulge the details but, suffice to say, Wonder does not disappoint. "

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Score: 5

Touré • The Grio Sep 28, 2024

"It’s a smart, fun deep dive into Stevie’s greatest period. The show reminds me of the way we often sit and talk and commune and argue about music. The Wonder of Stevie is a work of beauty about works of beauty. It’s a joy to listen to and a fitting tribute to our beloved Stevie. Don’t miss it."

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Score: 5

Miranda Sawyer • The Guardian Sep 21, 2024

"The delight is, of course, right there in the music –the series features more than 40 of Wonder’s songs – but it also bursts from host Wesley Morris’s presentation style, which is big and fun, wordy and charismatic. Not exactly showbiz, but deep and rich and unassailable. Full-on."

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