Audible and Higher Ground, the production company founded by President Barack Obama and Michelle Obama, have announced a new seven-episode podcast series The Wonder of Stevie, exploring the work and legacy of music icon Stevie Wonder. The podcast was produced by Higher Ground alongside Questlove through his Two One Five Entertainment banner, and executive produced by Stevie Wonder himself. The first episode premiered alongside the announcement, and is available on Audible now.
The series will focus on Wonder’s “classic period,” from 1972-1976, when he released a streak of five albums that garnered him more than half a dozen Grammys and more than 10 million sales, cementing his place in American music history. The show is hosted by two-time Pulitzer Prize-winning culture critic, Wesley Morris, and features a star-studded lineup of guests. In addition to exclusive conversations with Wonder, the show will feature producers President Barack Obama, Michelle Obama, and Ahmir “Questlove” Thompson, 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.
The show will culminate in a final episode where Stevie joins President Obama and Wesley Morris in the studio to reflect on the legacy of those years. President Obama and Stevie Wonder even sing Golden Lady together.
The former president shared: “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.”
Listen to The Wonder of Stevie now.
