In this engaging conversation, host Sam Fragoso interviews Wesley Morris, a Pulitzer Prize-winning critic known for his insightful cultural commentary. They unpack Stevie Wonder's legendary five-album run from 1972 to 1976, exploring his artistic transformation and independence. Morris shares how his relationship with Wonder's music evolved while producing a podcast dedicated to the icon. The duo also reflects on Wonder's enduring impact in today's social climate, emphasizing his music's role in uplifting communities and its significance in the civil rights movement.
Wesley Morris emphasizes the need to revisit Stevie Wonder's groundbreaking five-album period from 1972-1976, highlighting his artistic freedom and unprecedented achievements.
The podcast explores Stevie Wonder's ongoing relevance through his current tour, which addresses societal issues and aims to unite and heal through music.
Deep dives
Appreciating Stevie Wonder's Musical Legacy
Stevie Wonder's impact on music is underscored by his extensive award collection and longevity in the industry, yet he remains somewhat underappreciated. Despite a celebrated career, there is a call to revisit his significant achievements, particularly during his classic period from 1972 to 1976, when he produced five groundbreaking albums in a short span. This era is notable for its artistic freedom, as it marked Wonder's departure from the assembly-line approach of Motown, allowing him to express his creative vision. The podcast delves into the essence of this period, emphasizing that few artists in history have matched such a prolific and consistently acclaimed output over a relatively brief time frame.
Stevie Wonder's Role in Contemporary Society
Stevie Wonder’s ongoing relevance is highlighted through his current tour aimed at addressing societal issues, reflecting a sense of disappointment with the current state of affairs compared to the aspirations of the past. His music served as a remedy for social issues, joyously bridging divides during turbulent times, and the current tour, titled 'Sing Your Song As We Fix Our Nation's Broken Heart,' evokes similar themes of unity and healing. The podcast features discussions on how his achievements in music intertwine with civil rights movements, suggesting that his contributions extend beyond entertainment to significant societal influence. This exploration prompts a reevaluation of Wonder's music as a vital element of both historical context and present societal discourse.
The Creative Process Behind The Podcast
The podcast's creation is driven by a desire to understand and contextualize Stevie Wonder's music without the direct input from Wonder himself, who traditionally avoids interviews. The host articulates that the series evolved beyond mere interviews, transforming into a reflective exploration of Wonder's work and its profound impact on listeners. Insights from various guests, including Barack Obama and musical collaborators, enrich the narrative, offering personal connections to Wonder’s music. The producers aim to elevate listeners' awareness and appreciation, enabling a deeper understanding of the messages embedded within Wonder's songs, thereby enhancing the listener's experience beyond passive enjoyment.
Today we're sharing one of our favorite podcasts, Talk Easy. This episode features Wesley Morris talking about The Wonder of Stevie.
Wesley unpacks Stevie Wonder’s legendary five-album run from 1972-1976, his recent “battleground states” tour in the run up to the election, and how his relationship to Stevie’s music has evolved in the process of making this limited series.
Explore more episodes of Talk Easy with Sam Fragoso at talkeasypod.com. New talks air every Sunday. Available wherever you get your podcasts.