The Wonder of Stevie

by Wesley Morris (Author/Narrator), Michelle Obama (Narrator), Barack Obama (Narrator)

Runtime: 6 hr 10 min. 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.

Genres: Biography, Nonfiction, Music, Audiobook, Memoir, History, Biography Memoir

6 pages, Audible Audio

Published September 12, 2024

Reviews

[LeeTravelGoddess · Rating 5 out of 5]

I WANNA GIVE THIS 5 STARS NOW CAUSE I LOVE THEEEE INCOMPARABLE TAURUS ♉️ 👀, SIR STEVLAND HARDAWAY MORRIS aka STEVIE WONDER & WESLEY MORRIS.

*chef’s kiss* 💚✨😘

This work of love is so wonderful… Stevie is simply the talent of a century, he is still going and sounds great!!! I enjoyed it, more than the words I can string together in this here review. But I did take issue with a Robert Thomas Christgau’s complete and utter disregard for gospel as my mouth turned up in disgust during his interview with Wesley. To be such a “lauded staple” of music reviews over decades and say that you don’t see, hear or understand the gospel in Stevie’s music is just BEYOND ME!!! That’s like saying “I LOOOOOVE cake but that flour stuff, I don’t get it and really, I dislike flour.” WELL GUESS WHAT BOB… THE FLOUR, LIKE GOSPEL ARE KEY COMPONENTS TO THE THING THAT YOU LOVE. Why not try to even TRY to get it?? Wow. How small and dismissive of you. You basically teach/share/deconstruct art for a living but dislike gospel?? Something that shaped a HUGE part of how you’ve made your money as a fan/critic of; Hhhmmm. I just wish that had been left out of the book cause you’re unqualified to speak on the thing for me. Have your preferences, I’m not saying that you shouldn’t but he was clearly unread on Stevie, Wesley had to check his math a few times in that short segment of time & that was the unfortunate piece. Show your work cause why do you get all this credit otherwise?!?!?!

[Rickey Drinkwater · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely Beautifully Done.
I took my time with this one.
Being a fan of Stevie Wonder, for over 50 years, I truly wanted to cherish this production.
After each chapter, I stopped & listened to the album, that went along with that particular chapter.
Well Done Wesley. I anxiously await the next project..
Drink

[Mary Dobbs · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stevie “Maybe GOD has something for me, that is bigger than this” (being blind)
Barack: “and he was right”
This was more of a podcast, but nonetheless, this was absolutely amazing. Five stars, hands-down. This was such a eye-opener and a comrade to Stevie Wonder to really show how great and a musical genius he is! A must listen to. It was great hearing President Barack Obama, Michelle Obama, Questlove, Smokey Robinson, Dionne Warwick, Janelle Monáe all talk about the significance of Stevie Wonder and how they were inspired by him and his music

[Sema’Jay Hall · Rating 5 out of 5]

An absolute MUST! Especially if you’re on a road trip.

[Parkway · Rating 5 out of 5]

Come on! It’s Stevie Wonder! Musical Icon.

[Chloe Green · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing - got me through a road trip with my dad and learned a lot

[John Ferrigno · Rating 5 out of 5]

Only gave it 5 stars because 6 wasn't an option.

[Ginny Muse · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is more of a podcast than an audiobook, but I went into it thinking it was going to be more of a book so I’m still going to review it here. I saw there was a new ‘book’ on Audible about Stevie Wonder and was interested. I feel like I know his music and what we see of Stevie publicly, but was hoping for more of his own perspective on his life. That’s not what this is. But I think this endeavor does what it intends to do in talking about Stevie Wonder’s music.

Wesley Morris ‘hosts’ this, giving his own perspective and interviewing many other prominent people about their thoughts on Stevie Wonder’s music. Barack & Michelle Obama are featured as super fans since their media company partnered in this production. I don’t really care about their musical preferences, and don’t care about most of the other opinions given in this. Hearing a tiny bit from Stevie at the end was great, but too little too late. But I can’t completely fault this audio for not being what I hoped to get. The audible description is accurate. So I’m giving it 4⭐️ even though my personal enjoyment of it was maybe 3⭐️. It was interesting and I did gain some nuggets of info about Stevie that I didn’t know.

I’d say this is worth listening to on Audible. Good for background listening that you don’t have to pay close attention to. I’m going to take a break from Audible so I was trying to listen to some things that I can only find there. I’m sure there’s an audience that will love this. It was sort of entertaining for me, but people speculating about Stevie’s intentions in writing different musical styles is not what I was hoping this would be about.

[Ryan Eaton · Rating 5 out of 5]

I highly enjoyed this. I enjoy Stevie Wonders music a lot but I wouldn’t consider myself a super fan as a lot about Stevie Wonder I did not know about, such as his car accident that almost cost him his life. Because this is an Audible original it is almost like a podcast. The last part of this too is pretty cool with an interview with the author, Stevie Wonder, and Barack Obama.

[Andrea · Rating 4 out of 5]

I adore Stevie Wonder but I did not really care for the narrator of this audiobook. It was a pleasure to listen to Barack and Michelle Obama talk about Stevie and what he meant to them. Best part of the audiobook was at the end when the narrator, Barack, and Stevie had a discussion.

[Andrew · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very nice look at Stevie Wonder's career.

[Kristopher · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you’ve got Audible this is a must!

[Shea P · Rating 5 out of 5]

SOOOOOOOOO GOOD!! Full audio on Audible. If you are Gen X and grew up, listening to Stevie Wonder like I did, you need to check this one out!

[Rhonda Fister · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a masteriece! First, do not READ this book. You must LISTEN because Stevie's music is integrated into the book. It's amazing!!

Wesley Morris, New York Times music critic, narrates with the passion he has for Stevie's music. Michelle and Barack Obama produced the book, and both were interviewed by Wesley Morris.

This book has inspired me to be the best person I can be. You'll just have to listen to the book to know why.

[Tamiko · Rating 5 out of 5]

The genius is Stevie Wonder… it can’t be fully explained but this is a good start.

[Faloni ©]

A symphony of praise for a musical legend! 'The Wonder of Stevie' is a moving tribute to Stevie Wonder's life, music, and profound impact on our world! Highly recommend for fans& music lovers!

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2...

[Paul · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just finished the most wonderful audiobook (OK, pun intended). It's not often that I find a review or a set of remembrances that corresponds so tightly to my own recollections. I've felt for a long time that Stevie Wonder's most creative period is represented by the five albums from 1972-1976, to wit, Music of My Mind, Talking Book, Innervisions, Fulfillingness' First Finale, and Songs in the Key of Life. And that is precisely what this set of podcasts is about.

It was so much fun, and so nostalgic, to hear excerpts from these albums (although I listen to all of them frequently anyway), but also hear the narrator, Wesley Morris (a NY Times music critic) talking about the backstories, and to hear from dozens of people who were there and who were making that music with Stevie, and others whose lives were deeply influenced by his music, including Barack and Michelle Obama.

I have also been deeply influenced by Stevie Wonder's music. There are a number of his songs that I will always associate with specific incidents and periods of my life. He describes situations that so clearly express the emotions I feel when I recall my own experiences. It is reassuring to know that other people have had the same oneness with Stevie's music as I have.

And there are bonuses, too. I like the two albums that came after that streak, although I have found very few people who like or appreciate them as much as I do. They are the widely misunderstood Stevie Wonder's Journey Inside The Secret Life of Plants (https://youtu.be/PveWXfUZEJg), and Hotter Than July. This audiobook (presently available only on Audible) gives us a bonus chapter on these very albums! The final chapter is also a special bonus, too, but to reveal that would be too much of a spoiler.

Let me just say that I was delighted to listen to this audiobook. It makes great use of the audibook format, like Miracles and Wonder: Conversations With Paul Simon. If Stevie Wonder's music holds a special place in your heart like it does in mine, I think you will be delighted, too.

[Silas · Rating 3 out of 5]

I am more of a casual fan of Stevie Wonder. This book covers a middle part of his career in the 1970s, after he was a child star, and during a string of classic albums. This takes place during the decade before I was born, so I did not live through it, but have heard a lot of Stevie Wonder music through time, but rarely in album format. I would agree that this felt a bit more like a podcast than a book, with the narrative sectioned out by albums from this classic period. The host clearly enjoys these albums a great deal, and shows his enthusiasm often, as well as providing some social context for the times and the situations in Stevie's life, which is very helpful. It is also pretty clear that he does not write songs. He expresses bafflement that a black person would release love songs when there is so much else going on, not realizing that love songs are some of the easiest songs to write. Love naturally stirs people to sing in a way that frustration and hatred do not. I cannot claim to understand the black experience in anything more than the barest, second-hand sort of way, but this, I clearly understand better than he does. There are several other guests who provide context at intervals, often other artists, or other social commentators, and sometimes other fans, including President Obama and his first Lady, who are prominently featured in the latter part of the book, as well as a brief interview with Wonder, himself. Having experienced songs mostly through radio, I learned about some deeper album cuts. I really appreciate Stevie Wonder's place in the history of synthesizers, but that is only barely covered here. T.O.N.T.O. is mentioned, and the Yamaha GX-1, as well as some mention of sampling, but I guess this is before the Kurzweil synth, and the author is clearly more of a music enthusiast than a musician. I learned some things about history and context of Stevie's albums during this pivotal period, but I had hoped for something more.

[Jon Seals · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 stars

This "book" is basically six podcast episodes repackaged as an audiobook. It features several talking head interview clips with famous *fans* of Stevie Wonder talking to a music critic. (You don't get Stevie until the final "chapter.")

Despite my own fandom of Stevie Wonder, I was extremely wary of this talking book. (Sorry.)

I just *knew* I would hate it!

But I didn't.

Listening to this as an audiobook, at 1.8 speed, was perfect. It was a much better format than a podcast (with ads) or a television documentary series (with a much longer runtime.) Sure, when they play music in the background, it was way too fast, but I already know the music! I'll listen to Stevie Wonder in my own time. I just need the goods.

The talking heads were people like Barack and Michelle Obama, Questlove, Smokey Robinson, Janelle Monae, his guitarist Ray Parker Jr., and many more. On top of that, Wesley Morris is wonderful. He's a tremendous writer – a 2012 Pulitzer Prize winner – and this was the perfect format.

Morris dove deep into Wonder's peak, five-year span. (From 1972 to 1976, Wonder released five groundbreaking, critically acclaimed albums, garnering more than half a dozen Grammys and more than 10 million albums sold.)

He touched on Wonder's personal life, technological keyboard innovations, Motown contract details, politics, and little recording intricacies for each album and specific songs. Most importantly, it was just the right amount. Too much of any of those items would have been boring, but this was never boring.

I really hate to give five stars to a book that really isn't a book, but this deserves it.

Wesley Morris needs to write a real book. He's too damn good to just write critiques.

[Amanda Barrett · Rating 4 out of 5]

Podcast style audio.

Although I wasn’t born when Stevie Wonder was in his “prime”, I’m still familiar with his name and most popular songs. I selected this title as an audiobook freebie and wasn’t sure what to expect. I was pleasantly surprised. The background music and guest speakers kept me interested. Specifically, I loved listening to Barack and Michelle Obama share how Stevie Wonder impacted their lives. The interviews with Stevie were fun and lighthearted. Overall, this title met its goal sharing facts about Stevie’s life and his musical career while simultaneously reaching out to the fans who shared what his music meant to them. His music was produced in a time when racism was loud, but his music was louder. My favorite chapter focused on Stevie overcoming racism with his sound.

I rated 4 stars instead of 5 because I did think the host could have shortened this by A LOT. Sometimes I had the impression the host just enjoyed listening to himself talk and I’d fall asleep and have to rewind later. This could have been a 4 hour log instead of a 6 hour log, but still worth the listen!

[Tracy Richard · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a book written by the only two-time Pulitzer Prize winner for Criticism, and New York Times journalist, Wesley Morris. This audiobook has Wesley take you through the life and history of Stevie from performing at 15 to large audiences.

Wesley dives deep deep into the meanings, reactions and often spiritual significance of each of his songs. Barack and Michelle Obama, Stevie himself and others talk with Wesley about the effect of Stevie’s music on society and the world as a hole.

I was reminded of all my favorite Wonder songs. At times the talk of racism and Stevie’s reflection and lyrics that affected racism. Though I hate hearing of all the racial injustice, I recognize it’s still out there. The book is almost a panel discussion on Stevie’s evolution through adding new sounds, instruments, gospel influence and how his music has always and continues to have an outcome on society.

I wasn’t sure what view the book would take and overall I found the deep discussions interesting. I particularly enjoyed hearing Stevie tell his stories in his voice.

[MayasReadingPaths · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a native Detroiter, a lover of Motown music, and one who has proclaimed Stevie Wonder as my favorite artist for 25 years. I thought there was not much more I could learn about Stevie Wonder or his music. But, I discovered a great deal.

This piece is semi-biographical and covers many beloved pieces of his mid 70s discography, but it also reveals valuable behind-the-scenes moments, like providing insight on the recording of “Living for the City.”. It features interviews with collaborators, notable friends and fans and Stevie himself. It, thus, provides greater access to the songs and allows you to feel them in a way you never have before.

After each chapter, I viewed the vinyl cover for the album discussed and then listened to each album with an even greater appreciation.

Stevie’s music, for me, really is a prescription for bold infusions of joy, appreciation and honest expression.

I am grateful for this book and its reintroduction of the brilliance of Stevie’s music in a deeper way.

[wbforeman · Rating 4 out of 5]

I quite enjoyed this basically a podcast exploring the creative period of Stevie Wonder. I really like Wesley Morris whenever I hear him I think he does a really good job exploring the cultural context and the interpretation of what Stevie Wonder was going through with each album.

I do have some nitpicks this podcast. does some of the podcast tricks that I don’t like like ending a song with an echo in a tunnel or having the song play quietly in the background while someone else is talking. I also wish more songs from music in my mind and songs in the key of life were covered, how do you not talk about I wish.

I also found the interview between Barack Obama and Stevie Wonder was lackluster. sometimes the person at the center isn’t the best relaying back their past experience. I bet it was great for people in the room, but as a listener, it felt disjointed at times.

Still a fun overall listen and if you are Stevie Wonder fan, you will definitely enjoy this

[Dhaivyd Hilgendorf · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was so much fun to hear Barack Obama meet with Stevie in the last episode of the podcast, after going through each of Stevie’s first 5 albums with host Wesley Morris, almost track-by-track. Hearing from so many of the people involved in his creation process throughout the episodes was also nice. It was sometimes strange that the host was a white guy talking about the black experience, but was simultaneously refreshing that they choose a white fan of Stevie to host, showing how universal the appeal of Stevie Wonder is and how open-minded white folks have an important place in the conversation about the history of black oppression and the anti-racist movement. Bold move, IMO, in this era of “own voices.” It is important to hear stories from multiple perspectives and I think that Wesley Morris dies a good job of incorporating people from many walks of life in his program- principally people of color.

[Dewayne · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the perfect type of book built for the audio format. Between effective story telling from Wesley Morris to the on play of great music tracks song by Stevie I found myself not able to stop listening. I feel terrible in that I greatly under appreciated the influence and impact Stevie Wonder made as a performer/activist on not just on music but overall American Culture. The fact that he was performing opening acts for the Rolling Stones in the 70's a time still filled racial tension is amazing. Add in his brilliance in song writing, talents on a variety of instruments combined with the ingenuity of capturing the human spirit through music. I learned so much from book about cultural things I grew up with, yet did not understand their connection back to Stevie and his influence on my parents generation.

I would highly recommend for anyone interested in learning about American culture and music influence provided by one of the industry greats.

[Taylor · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was in the craziest reading slump, so I picked this one up. I am obsessed with Stevie so this was perfect for me.

I know so much about stevie and the music specifics but this was great and I did learn so much from it. Because it goes into detail with the music and gives a musical analysis, I wish that they would have included more musicians to talk about the breakdowns. For example, in the section for "Music of My Mind" the Tonto was not talked about enough for me, which is crazy because it is so important. Or even Superstition for "Talking Book". I felt the discussion of stevies work on the drums could have been a bit deeper as it's some of his best drum work and he was in the pocket the entire time.

The extra interview with Obama as well as Stevie was amazing.

Overall, this was a great run through of stevies classic album run.

[Shelley Martinez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great audio book. It's actually a series of podcasts over 3 years that were combined into a book. I thought I knew Stevie Wonder but this audio book will have you understand why Stevie Wonder really is a musical genius. It's supposed to be about Stevie's classic period but it goes a little further into 2 later albums that I believe really are the cannon for Stevie Wonder music. I went listened to each album after listening and this is something that has to be listened to be really appreciated. Sometimes it's a little techy on the musical production side but not enough to put anyone off. Wesley Morris is so enthusiastic about his subject & interviews so many different people in the process, finally ending with an interview of Stevie. Stevie has remarkable recall about details that are now 50+ years ago. I really became a Stevie Wonder fan all over again. I highly recommend.

[Charles James · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is essentially 5-6 podcasts about Stevie Wonders Golden period in the early 70's .I like Stevie Wonder , but I am not too familiar with all of his back catalogue and this looked like an interesting way to have a guided tour through his key albums . Unfortunately at times the podcast gets over involved in the social context/background and forgets to describe the music , sometimes only discussing a few tracks per album .
Each of the episodes involves at least one of the Obama's (being produced by their company ) which sometimes is a bit much , but it has the major advantage that in the bonus episode Obama and the author get a sit down with Stevie himself .
Worth a listen , but probably not as much as the albums themselves .

[Lyrical · Rating 2 out of 5]

1. Why have a negative critique like Robert Crisco sharing his opinion on 'The Wonder of Stevie"? Who cares!!!
2. I felt cheated in that these seems to be a bunch of out-takes from a podcast. That is not how it is advertised.
3. For Wesley Morris to make assumptions about his process, his songs, ask Stevie..... he is NOT dead yet.

ARGH.

I would have given this a 5 star review if wasn't a rehash of a podcast and the podcast producer's opinions.

Hence my 2 rating.

Best part...President Obama asking questions directly with Stevie Wonder. THAT is worth a 5 star. Wesley Morris.....worth a 2.

[Sheila Dailie · Rating 4 out of 5]

It is interesting to hear history from the years when I was old enough to remember but not mature enough to understand the underlying implications. And the music was so fun to hear and to have it analyzed. Honestly, I'd never really thought about the connection between gospel music and the music of Stevie Wonder.
Another interesting realization was that I was not able to identify Michelle O'Bama's voice and when I did hear it, I was surprised how rough it was. She worked hard to be a classy lady, but it is difficult to change the tembre of one's voice.