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1976 - October: Stevie Wonder “Songs in the Key of Life”
Even though he was at the top of his game Stevie Wonder almost retired to work with handicapped children in Ghana before this album was made. Instead, he signed what was then the largest recording deal in history, and released what many consider the best of his classic era — the double album Songs in the Key of Life. This album was released in late September, debuted at number 1 (the first artist other than Elton John to do so), and remained there for 13 weeks.
“Songs in the Key of Life” was nominated for seven Grammy Awards in 1977, and won Album of the Year, returning Wonder to the stage for the third time after his wins in 1974 and 1975. The album is full of passion and politics, jazz and funk, and can be nostalgic or melancholy without losing an upbeat feel all the way through. This album really gives you a sense of the multi-talented artist, singer, songwriter, keyboardist, harmonica player, and producer that is Stevie Wonder. He surely has been an influence in Rock and Roll and we are pleased to present this amazing work.
I Wish
This is the lead-off single from the album. It was released a month after the album hit the stores, and takes a nostalgic look back on Wonder's childhood in the 1950's and early 60's.
As
It was a full year after the album was released that this song made its appearance as a single. The song describes how long the singer's love will last in terms like “until the dolphin flies and parrots live at sea...until the day that eight times eight times eight is four.” It flips between major and minor keys, but maintains its positive attitude throughout.
Summer Soft
A deeper cut, this track uses the metaphor of summer and winter to describe loss and transience in relationships. There are a lot of key changes and chord progressions that are classically Stevie Wonder, and he uses them well to give the song a feeling of things constantly moving and changing, which reinforces the theme.
Sir Duke
Stevie Wonder pays tribute to his musical heroes in this well known song. “There's Basie, Miller, Satchmo, and the king of all, Sir Duke. And with a voice like Ella's ringing out, there's no way the band can lose.”
ENTERTAINMENT TRACK:
The theme from the television series “Quincy, M.E.”
Jack Klugman would leave behind his role in “The Odd Couple” to play a starring role as a medical examiner in this show which hit the airwaves much earlier than the popular forensic shows of today.
STAFF PICKS:
“Crystal Ball” by Styx
Wayne features Alabama native Tommy Shaw as writer and lead singer on this Styx classic. Shaw had recently joined the band, and this song would be the title track from their album. It discusses getting a glimpse of your future when life is confusing.
“Let 'em In” by Paul McCartney and Wings
Rob's staff pick is from one of the biggest musicians at the time in his ex-Beatles days. McCartney references members of his real family in this song, then includes Martin Luther, Phil and Don (The Everly Brothers), Uncle Ernie (from the rock opera "Tommy").
“Getaway” by Earth, Wind, & Fire
Brian's staff pick returns to some funky R&B from Earth, Wind & Fire's album “Spirit.” The song was written for a flute player named Bobbi Humphrey, but the demo never made it to her.
“Lowdown” by Boz Scaggs
Bruce features the first major hit from Boz Scaggs. It was co-written by Scaggs and his keyboardist David Paich. Scaggs' session musicians would later on form the band Toto. The genre is a little disco, a little funk, and has been described as blue-eyed soul.
INSTRUMENTAL TRACK:
“A Fifth of Beethoven” by Walter Murphy
This disco take on Beethoven's 5th Symphony was very popular on the dance floors and skating rinks of 1976.
Thanks for listening to “What the Riff?!?”
NOTE: To adjust the loudness of the music or voices, you may adjust the balance on your device. VOICES are stronger in the LEFT channel, and MUSIC is stronger on the RIGHT channel.
Please follow us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/whattheriffpodcast/, and message or email us with what you'd like to hear, what you think of the show, and any rock-worthy memes we can share.
Of course we'd love for you to rate the show in your podcast platform!
**NOTE: What the Riff?!? does not own the rights to any of these songs and we neither sell, nor profit from them. We share them so you can learn about them and purchase them for your own collections.
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By Rob Marbury, Wayne Rowan, Bruce Fricks, John Lynch
4.9
4747 ratings
Even though he was at the top of his game Stevie Wonder almost retired to work with handicapped children in Ghana before this album was made. Instead, he signed what was then the largest recording deal in history, and released what many consider the best of his classic era — the double album Songs in the Key of Life. This album was released in late September, debuted at number 1 (the first artist other than Elton John to do so), and remained there for 13 weeks.
“Songs in the Key of Life” was nominated for seven Grammy Awards in 1977, and won Album of the Year, returning Wonder to the stage for the third time after his wins in 1974 and 1975. The album is full of passion and politics, jazz and funk, and can be nostalgic or melancholy without losing an upbeat feel all the way through. This album really gives you a sense of the multi-talented artist, singer, songwriter, keyboardist, harmonica player, and producer that is Stevie Wonder. He surely has been an influence in Rock and Roll and we are pleased to present this amazing work.
I Wish
This is the lead-off single from the album. It was released a month after the album hit the stores, and takes a nostalgic look back on Wonder's childhood in the 1950's and early 60's.
As
It was a full year after the album was released that this song made its appearance as a single. The song describes how long the singer's love will last in terms like “until the dolphin flies and parrots live at sea...until the day that eight times eight times eight is four.” It flips between major and minor keys, but maintains its positive attitude throughout.
Summer Soft
A deeper cut, this track uses the metaphor of summer and winter to describe loss and transience in relationships. There are a lot of key changes and chord progressions that are classically Stevie Wonder, and he uses them well to give the song a feeling of things constantly moving and changing, which reinforces the theme.
Sir Duke
Stevie Wonder pays tribute to his musical heroes in this well known song. “There's Basie, Miller, Satchmo, and the king of all, Sir Duke. And with a voice like Ella's ringing out, there's no way the band can lose.”
ENTERTAINMENT TRACK:
The theme from the television series “Quincy, M.E.”
Jack Klugman would leave behind his role in “The Odd Couple” to play a starring role as a medical examiner in this show which hit the airwaves much earlier than the popular forensic shows of today.
STAFF PICKS:
“Crystal Ball” by Styx
Wayne features Alabama native Tommy Shaw as writer and lead singer on this Styx classic. Shaw had recently joined the band, and this song would be the title track from their album. It discusses getting a glimpse of your future when life is confusing.
“Let 'em In” by Paul McCartney and Wings
Rob's staff pick is from one of the biggest musicians at the time in his ex-Beatles days. McCartney references members of his real family in this song, then includes Martin Luther, Phil and Don (The Everly Brothers), Uncle Ernie (from the rock opera "Tommy").
“Getaway” by Earth, Wind, & Fire
Brian's staff pick returns to some funky R&B from Earth, Wind & Fire's album “Spirit.” The song was written for a flute player named Bobbi Humphrey, but the demo never made it to her.
“Lowdown” by Boz Scaggs
Bruce features the first major hit from Boz Scaggs. It was co-written by Scaggs and his keyboardist David Paich. Scaggs' session musicians would later on form the band Toto. The genre is a little disco, a little funk, and has been described as blue-eyed soul.
INSTRUMENTAL TRACK:
“A Fifth of Beethoven” by Walter Murphy
This disco take on Beethoven's 5th Symphony was very popular on the dance floors and skating rinks of 1976.
Thanks for listening to “What the Riff?!?”
NOTE: To adjust the loudness of the music or voices, you may adjust the balance on your device. VOICES are stronger in the LEFT channel, and MUSIC is stronger on the RIGHT channel.
Please follow us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/whattheriffpodcast/, and message or email us with what you'd like to hear, what you think of the show, and any rock-worthy memes we can share.
Of course we'd love for you to rate the show in your podcast platform!
**NOTE: What the Riff?!? does not own the rights to any of these songs and we neither sell, nor profit from them. We share them so you can learn about them and purchase them for your own collections.
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