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LOS ANGELES — Audible, Inc., the leading creator and provider of premium audio storytelling, and Higher Ground, President Barack Obama and Michelle Obama’s media company, along with Audacy’s Pineapple Street Studios, today announced the premiere of The Wonder of Stevie, the third release from Audible and Higher Ground’s exclusive first-look deal. This seven-episode podcast covers Stevie Wonder’s iconic legacy with a focus on his “classic period,” from 1972-1976, when the musician, songwriter, and singer released a streak of five albums that forever changed American music. Hosted by two-time Pulitzer Prize-winning culture critic, Wesley Morris, featuring exclusive conversations with Stevie Wonder and a wide range of A-list fans, all seven episodes of The Wonder of Stevie debut today on Audible. Higher Ground and Audacy’s Pineapple Street Studios produced the series alongside Questlove through his Two One Five Entertainment banner with Stevie Wonder Executive Producing.
The Wonder of Stevie focuses on a five-year stretch in which Stevie Wonder achieved a peak of greatness unmatched by virtually any other American artist—releasing five celebrated albums on Motown Records’ Tamla imprint. This run of creativity garnered Wonder 12 GRAMMY Awards for the music on these iconic albums, a 13th GRAMMY for himself as Non-Classical Producer of the Year, sold over 10 million albums, and secured his place as one of the most important American musicians and songwriters in history. The Higher Ground and Audible Original invites audiences on an intimate journey infused with its star-studded contributors’ unique experiences and impassioned fandoms.
Featured guests include President Barack Obama and Michelle Obama, Ahmir “Questlove” Thompson and celebrated musicians Smokey Robinson, Dionne Warwick, King Britt, Babyface, Bob Margouleff, Jimmy Jam, Ray Parker Jr., Janelle Monáe, Mereba, Yolanda Adams, Greg Phillinganes, Rick McLaughlin, Will Butler, Deniece Williams, journalists Robert Christgau, Maureen Orth, Alex Pappademas and Brittany Luse, art curator Thelma Golden, artist Lorna Simpson, activist Michaela Angela Davis, and legendary entertainment executive Suzanne de Passe.
Including over 40 legendary Stevie Wonder songs, The Wonder of Stevie culminates in a final episode where Stevie Wonder himself joins President Barack Obama and host Wesley Morris in the studio, giving his first-hand, personal account of this remarkable time period. President Obama and Stevie Wonder sing Golden Lady together and reflect on Wonder’s lasting impact. This final episode will be exclusively on Audible through December.
Stevie Wonder’s Profound Impact on Music and Culture: Reflections from the Obamas, Questlove, and Ghiazza
President Obama said: “The first album I ever bought with my own money was Talking Book, by Stevie Wonder. Since then, his music has brought warmth and humanity to my life, just like it has for so many others. With an incredible array of artists, experts, and the legend himself, this podcast gives you an even greater appreciation of Stevie’s genius and his impact on American culture.”
Michelle Obama said: “We all know Stevie Wonder is a legend—the songs, the albums, the melodies take hold in your soul and just won’t let go. I’ve been a fan of his for as long as I can remember. That’s why this podcast was so surprising — Wesley walks us through the full magnitude of his work, uncovering how Stevie’s magic has shaped not just the world of music, but the world itself.”
Stevie Wonder said: “The only gift that’s greater is my being able to thank God for every note, every lyric, every song, that I have been given to share forever with the world. As I reflect back on some of my fondest and proudest moments on this music journey, I am beyond humbled to have those that I respect and deeply cherish, show me the kind of love that I can hear and feel in their voices.”
Ahmir “Questlove” Thompson said: “Stevie is someone who I have looked up to for as long as I can remember, and his continued impact on music, in the 1970s and now, is undeniable. It was a no-brainer to join the production of this comprehensive study of some of my favorite Stevie Wonder tracks through Two One Five Entertainment. More importantly, I’m humbled to be a part of this historic conversation with a fellow Philly native in Wesley. I’m looking forward to reintroducing the incomparable passion in Stevie’s work to listeners old and new.”
Rachel Ghiazza, Chief Content Officer at Audible, said: “Stevie Wonder’s voice has been part of the soundtrack of our lives for the past 60 years, and this is the first authorized account of his iconic and singular life story. As a creator-focused company, Audible recognizes the power of audio to tell the most important and enduring stories of our time. We’re incredibly proud to bring Wonder’s legacy to listeners globally, and who better than the acclaimed Wesley Morris to guide us through such a vividly rendered and spectacularly original narrative? This series is so full of joy – it’s a true celebration of musical storytelling.”
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Higher Ground and Audible’s Ongoing Partnership Brings Iconic Stories to Life, Expanding Their Audio Legacy
Produced with Two One Five Entertainment and Audacy’s Pineapple Street Studios, the series marks the third project from Audible and Higher Ground’s exclusive first-look deal. Michelle Obama: The Light Podcast,released in Spring 2023, featured Michelle Obama’s inspiring conversations with esteemed friends like Ellen DeGeneres, Tyler Perry, Conan O’Brien, and Oprah Winfrey. Your Mama’s Kitchen: Conversations from the Heart of the Home, hosted by Emmy and Peabody award-winning journalist Michele Norris, explored the complexities of family life and how guests’ earliest culinary experiences helped shape their personal and professional lives. Forthcoming, Audible and Higher Ground will collaborate with the History Channel and Malcolm Gladwell’s Pushkin Industries on an eight-part Original audio series about the legacy of America’s Reconstruction era. Audible and Higher Ground’s ongoing collaboration reinforces Higher Ground’s commitment to audio. Since its inception, Higher Ground, an Academy Award and Emmy Award-winning media company, has brought powerful stories to life.
Stevie Wonder is one of the most beloved and revered names in music history. Since being discovered at the age of 11, and earning his first No. 1 single just two years later at age 13 with “Fingertips – Pt. 2” (the youngest solo artist ever to do so), he’s gone on to become one of the best-selling artists of all time with more than 100 million records sold. His incredible catalog of work has earned him 25 GRAMMY Awards including a Lifetime Achievement Award, an Academy Award, inductions into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and Songwriters Hall of Fame, the youngest ever Kennedy Center honoree, and inclusion of his work in the Library of Congress.
