The Wonder of Stevie Audiobook By Wesley Morris cover art

The Wonder of Stevie

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The Wonder of Stevie

By: Wesley Morris
Narrated by: Wesley Morris, Michelle Obama, Barack Obama, Questlove, Dionne Warwick, Janelle Monáe, Smokey Robinson, Babyface, Ray Parker Jr., Deniece Williams, full cast
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About this listen

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.

©2024 Higher Ground, LLC (P)2024 Higher Ground, LLC.
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About the Creator and Host

Wesley Morris is a critic-at-large at the New York Times and a staff writer at the New York Times Magazine, where he writes about popular culture and hosts the podcast Still Processing with J Wortham. For three years, Morris was a staff writer at Grantland, where he wrote about movies, television, and the role of style in professional sports and co-hosted the podcast Do You Like Prince Movies? with Alex Pappademas. Before that, he spent 11 years as a film critic at the Boston Globe, where he won the 2012 Pulitzer Prize for criticism. In 2021, he was awarded a second Pulitzer in criticism for his writing at the Times. He’s from Philadelphia, PA, lives in Brooklyn, NY, and is a graduate of the Yale class of 1997.

About the Creator and Guest

Michelle Robinson Obama served as First Lady of the United States from 2009 to 2017. A graduate of Princeton University and Harvard Law School, Mrs. Obama continues to be a dedicated public servant and advocate, working to encourage the next generation to pursue higher education and participate in public service, a commitment she has upheld before, during, and after her role as First Lady.
Mrs. Obama’s passion for storytelling has earned her global acclaim. Her memoir, Becoming — a moving portrayal of her life’s journey and path to the White House — spent over 130 weeks on the New York Times Best Sellers list, sold more than 15 million copies worldwide, and won a Grammy Award. Her second book, The Light We Carry: Overcoming in Uncertain Times, also spent months on the New York Times Best Sellers list.
Through Higher Ground, which she co-founded with her husband in 2018, Mrs. Obama’s work to share stories has won awards and accolades. Mrs. Obama produced and stars in Waffles + Mochi, a show that teaches children about their food and cooking through an adventurous part-yeti, part-waffle tour guide. The Light We Carry Netflix special recently earned an Emmy nomination for Outstanding Hosted Nonfiction Series or Special. Mrs. Obama is reaching new, diverse audiences through the world of podcasting, most recently with The Michelle Obama Podcast on Spotify and Michelle Obama: The Light Podcast on Audible.

About the Creator and Guest

Barack Obama was the 44th president of the United States, elected in November 2008 and holding office for two terms. He is the author of three New York Times bestselling books, Dreams from My Father, The Audacity of Hope, and A Promised Land, and is the recipient of the 2009 Nobel Peace Prize. He lives in Washington, D.C., with his wife, Michelle. They have two daughters, Malia and Sasha.

About the Creator and Guest

Questlove is a six-time Grammy Award–winning musician, an Academy Award–winning filmmaker, and a drummer, DJ, producer, director, culinary entrepreneur, New York Times bestselling author, co-founder of The Roots, and musical director for The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, where The Roots serve as the house band. He is the author of the New York Times bestsellers Mo’ Meta Blues, Creative Quest, Music Is History, and co-author of his first children’s book—the first in a series— The Rhythm of Time, as well as the James Beard Award–nominated somethingtofoodabout, Mixtape Potluck, and the Grammy-nominated audiobook Creative Quest.
Questlove made his directorial debut with the documentary The Summer of Soul, which won the Academy Award, Grammy Award, and BAFTA Award, which broke the record for the highest-selling documentary to come out of the Sundance Film Festival. He is the publisher of AUWA Books, an imprint of MCD / Farrar, Straus and Giroux.

What listeners say about The Wonder of Stevie

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Overjoyed!

I so love the depth of information and the confirming conversation at the end that exposes how incredibly brilliant Stevie Wonder really is! We grew up listening to his music and it is so a part of our family, but to hear the story behind the music, it’s just incredible!

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Wonderful!

I just finished the first episode of this series and I was hooked after the first few minutes. It’s so very well done and so compelling. If you weren’t a fan of Stevie Wonder before listening,, you’re sure to become one after.

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Beautiful story of the life and Art of a Beautiful Soul

I loved every single minute of this entertaining and informative telling of a complex and intriguing story one of the greatest artist of all time. This was such a treat for my ears.

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Biased review

Everything about the spirit that is Stevie Wonder has always elevated me to a higher level of existence. Although, not perfect, this project did Steveland justice.

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This Is A Gift

I love anything that includes Stevie, but I didn’t expect this level of excellence. From the narration to the actual story, this made my heart smile. I’ll return to it when in need of a smile. And the last ‘chapter’…..it doesn’t get any better.

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Must listen

Really fantastic. There is a plethora of information given in a very fun; easy to listen to format.

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phenomenal

Stevies unfolding story and the production are spot on. I hope more artists get to have this story teller bring them to life. Excellent.

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The Genius of Stevie

What a beautiful and loving gift this is to humanity. I learned more about the genius of Stevie while also basking in memories from his music. I loved hearing former President Obama and First Lady Michelle sharing conversations with him. This is a collection of stories and music to savor forever! When is the next one coming? I’m ready!

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Thank you for this

I’ve loved Stevie Wonders music my whole life. I saw him in concert when I was 17 at Madison Square Center and got hooked. Thank you for all the background and insight in this program.

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Great listen!

The audible version of this was awesome. I’m glad I heard all of the people’s voices and stories and this was well put together. The storyline was great and easy to follow. Even the sad stuff made you look at life and things differently. I loved all of this!

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