The Wonder of Stevie cover image

The Wonder of Stevie

Talk Easy featuring Wesley Morris

Dec 3, 2024
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.
27:48

Episode guests

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • 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.

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