Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #61521 in DVD
• Released on: 2003-10-01
• Rating: Unrated
• Aspect ratio: 1.33:1
• Format: NTSC
• Original language: English
• Number of discs: 1
• Running time: 75 minutes

From Amazon.com
The making of Stevie Wonder's 1976 double-album masterpiece Songs in the Key of Life--still his linchpin work--is entertainingly recounted in this Classic Albums documentary on the 20th anniversary of its release. Interviews with Wonder and the musicians and technicians involved revisit many now-classic songs like "I Wish," "Sir Duke," and "Isn't She Lovely" (which includes a vocal appearance by Wonder's then-infant daughter, Aisha, who two decades later discusses her contribution). The record's lasting influence is brought up by producer Quincy Jones, keyboardist Herbie Hancock, and the rapper Coolio, who had a smash hit in 1995 with "Gangsta's Paradise," a reworking of Wonder's "Pastime Paradise." Reuniting with the musicians, Wonder runs through some of these classic tunes, one of several highlights. --Kevin Filipski

Video Details
Taking more than two years from conception to release, Stevie Wonder's classic 1976 double album, Songs in the Key of Life, is now generally considered his finest creative hour in an enduring, influential career of nearly four decades. Songs in the Key of Life is also regarded by many music fans as one of the outstanding albums to appear in that entire timespan.

Released in October 1976, Songs in the Key of Life entered the U.S. Billboard album chart at No. 1 and remained there for 14 weeks, topping off a 44-week chart residency in the Top 40. Its success amply rewarded Motown Records' earlier $13 million investment in Wonder when it had re-signed him to the label. The deal was the largest in recording history at the time.

Songs in the Key of Life also reached No. 2 in the U.K., remaining on the charts for over a year, and was a worldwide best seller. Two singles from the album, "I Wish" and "Sir Duke" (the latter dedicated to the great jazz legend Duke Ellington), both reached No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 and were also U.K. Top 10 hits.

This outstanding chart success was consolidated when Steve Wonder won Album of the Year at the 1976 Grammy Awards. He was also named Producer of the Year and won the Best Male Vocal Performance category.

The remarkable story behind Wonder's Songs in the Key of Life project is told here. Stevie himself reminisces about the inspiration for the album, and there are also contributions from Motown founder (and Wonder father figure) Berry Gordy, Quincy Jones, Herbie Hancock, and lyricist Gary Byrd, among many others. In addition, there is a unique reunion of the musicians who played on the original album sessions.

Synopsis
In 1976, Stevie Wonder released Songs in the Key of Life, a stunningly ambitious two-record-set that is still regarded as the finest hour in Wonder's remarkable career. This documentary (produced for VH1's "Classic Albums" series) traces this history of this masterpiece of pop and R&B, from its initial inspiration to the recording sessions with some of the industry's top talent. Stevie Wonder discusses the creation of this album, with additional reminiscences from Motown founder Berry Gordy, Herbie Hancock, Quincy Jones, and several of the musicians who played on the sessions. ~ Mark Deming, All Movie Guide

Customer Reviews

Great Overview
This was really informative and interesting. The only problem I really had with it was the fact that Stevie didn't speak as much as I would have liked. I am more than a little intrigued by him and would have enjoyed listening to him talk about his ideas and views on the issues he expressed in the songs more. I was aware of his sense of humor which was touched on a bit throughout the film. He's an interesting character and I really was expecting a bit more from him actually (Berry Gordy and Quincy Jones' comments minimalized would have been great). They didn't cover all the songs which would I was surprised about. A couple of my favorites, Joy inside my Tears and All Day Sucka were not mentioned AT ALL and these are not classics, as singles, but worthwhile to talk about, I thought. Anyway, if one is a fan of Stevie, a true fan, and owns the album, having this documentary is a must.

This IS Magic!
Okay-this is it!!!Stevie takes you into his studio as she takes
you and his old band on a journey through the piecing together
of tunes such as "I Wish","Black Man" and "Pastime Paradise".Listen to the alum and then whatch this-it will amaze
you!

could of included more music from stevie!
shame about this dvd...
NOT GOOD SELLING DISCS...shame its content has more talking... than music... but the two songs on the disc are gems...!!