Stevie Wonder Musical mega-star Stevie Wonder very recently made an announcement that will excite his huge legion of fans worldwide, especially the ones in the Los Angeles, California area. He intends to perform live in its entirety his massively successful and critically acclaimed 1976 released double album 'Songs In The Key Of Life'. Not only has this record given him the biggest triumph on the charts in his extensive and distinguished career, it also had the distinction of receiving the Grammy for Album Of The Year in 1977 and grabbing Diamond status by the RIAA (Recording Industry Association of America) for sales of over 10 million in the US. This blockbuster collection of 21 songs (not including the bonus 4 song EP which accompanied the album) includes such gems as 'I Wish', 'Sir Duke' 'As' and of course his ode to his then brand new daughter Aisha, 'Isn't She Lovely'.
This very special performance will take place on 21 December 2013 at the Nokia Theater L.A. as part of an annual show Wonder puts on called 'House Full Of Toys Benefit' concert. For the last 17 years this organisation, headed by the superstar, collects unwrapped toys and gifts and distributes them to people in need. Once again this true humanitarian puts his money, talent and energy where his heart is. The show promises to be quite a special occasion as Stevie reveals he intends to use singers and musicians from the original recording alongside singers and musicians from today, although he refused to name any names as yet. The phrase he used was "reaching out and talking to a lot of people". The buzz is already growing on what surely will be a very special event. At the announcement Stevie went on to say "This has been a fantasy of mine for a while." He added "I wanted to do something that would thank everybody for supporting my career and also thank God for me being able to do the music I do. And listening to this album again, it is amazing to me how relevant it is today."
Speaking from experience of seeing this hero of mine perform several times, I am reminded of the last time I caught Stevie live. After several years of not appearing on the concert circuit, Stevie announced he would be hitting the road for a few select shows in the summer of 2007. I was fortunate enough to attend one of the gigs in California. As always he was on top of his game throughout the nearly 3 hour show, but I will always remember he opened with 'Love's In Need Of Love Today' which is the opening song on 'Songs In The Key Of Life'. That experience alone had the audience entranced, so I can only imagine the ecstasy awaiting the fortunate ones who will witness the live interpretation of what probably is Stevie's finest work.
I have included a simply wonderful documentary on the making of Stevie's 'Songs In The Key Of Life'
This very special performance will take place on 21 December 2013 at the Nokia Theater L.A. as part of an annual show Wonder puts on called 'House Full Of Toys Benefit' concert. For the last 17 years this organisation, headed by the superstar, collects unwrapped toys and gifts and distributes them to people in need. Once again this true humanitarian puts his money, talent and energy where his heart is. The show promises to be quite a special occasion as Stevie reveals he intends to use singers and musicians from the original recording alongside singers and musicians from today, although he refused to name any names as yet. The phrase he used was "reaching out and talking to a lot of people". The buzz is already growing on what surely will be a very special event. At the announcement Stevie went on to say "This has been a fantasy of mine for a while." He added "I wanted to do something that would thank everybody for supporting my career and also thank God for me being able to do the music I do. And listening to this album again, it is amazing to me how relevant it is today."
Speaking from experience of seeing this hero of mine perform several times, I am reminded of the last time I caught Stevie live. After several years of not appearing on the concert circuit, Stevie announced he would be hitting the road for a few select shows in the summer of 2007. I was fortunate enough to attend one of the gigs in California. As always he was on top of his game throughout the nearly 3 hour show, but I will always remember he opened with 'Love's In Need Of Love Today' which is the opening song on 'Songs In The Key Of Life'. That experience alone had the audience entranced, so I can only imagine the ecstasy awaiting the fortunate ones who will witness the live interpretation of what probably is Stevie's finest work.
I have included a simply wonderful documentary on the making of Stevie's 'Songs In The Key Of Life'
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