Classic Albums - Stevie Wonder: Songs in the Key of Life (1997)

Synopsis: Along with his early-'70s masterpieces TALKING BOOK and INNERVISIONS, Stevie Wonder's 1976 opus SONGS IN THE KEY OF LIFE stands as the very pinnacle of the singer-songwriter's extraordinary career.... Along with his early-'70s masterpieces TALKING BOOK and INNERVISIONS, Stevie Wonder's 1976 opus SONGS IN THE KEY OF LIFE stands as the very pinnacle of the singer-songwriter's extraordinary career. The highly ambitious double-album continued its predecessors' pioneering use of electronics, innovative songwriting that delved into topics both personal and political, and diverse musical styles that ran the gamut from soul, funk, pop, rock, Latin, jazz, and even classical. Ranging from tender balladry ("Love's in Need of Love Today") to sheer booty-shaking funk ("I Wish"), and from social commentary ("Village Ghetto Land") to the simply joyous ("Isn't She Lovely"), SONGS IN THE KEY OF LIFE is an exuberant testament to a consummate artist at the peak of his skills. This episode of the CLASSIC ALBUMS series examines the making of Wonder's masterpiece through archival footage; interviews with Motown founder Berry Gordy, producer Quincy Jones, keyboardist Herbie Hancock, and Wonder himself; and a reunion of original album players highlighted by live renditions of classic tracks like "Sir Duke," "Black Man," and "Pastime Paradise." [More]

Starring: Berry Gordy, Quincy Jones, Herbie Hancock

Starring: Berry Gordy, Quincy Jones, Herbie Hancock