Stevie Wonder / Soul! WNET 1972 (1BRDR)

Intro
For Once in My Life
Let Me Know Just How You Feel
If You Really Love Me
Superwoman
You and I (We Can Conquer the World)
What's Going On
My Cherie Amour
Blowin' in the Wind
With a Child's Heart
Love Having You Around
Signed, Sealed, Delivered, I'm Yours
Papa Was a Rolling Stone
Superstition
Maybe Your Baby
Superstition (Reprise)
Uptight (Everything's Alright)
Keep On Running
Interview

Recorded in New York City at WNET Studios for the PBS television program *Soul!*; originally aired on December 20, 1972.

Wonderlove:
Scott Edwards Jr. (bass)
Ralph E. Hammer (guitar)
Steven P. Madaio (trumpet)
Denny Morouse (horns)
Ray E. Parker (lead guitar)
Keith Stevens (congas)
Ollie Eugene Brown (drums)
Shirley Brewer, Lani Groves, and Delores Harvin (vocals)

Professionally filmed
59 min.

This is a performance by Stevie Wonder from the program *Soul!*, originally broadcast on December 20, 1972. It has been released on Blu-ray using a top-quality master recording. While there are very minor visual glitches inherent to the master tape, the picture quality is the best ever seen for this performance.

This wonderful footage traces Stevie Wonder's musical evolution, covering everything from his Motown-era hits to songs from his then-latest album, *Talking Book*. The song selection clearly illustrates his transformation from a child star into an innovative artist who composed, arranged, and performed his own music.

"For Once in My Life"
A track from the 1968 album *For Once in My Life*. Although originally written for other singers, Stevie’s dynamic arrangement made this the definitive version. It reached No. 2 on the US Pop charts and No. 1 on the R&B charts, becoming a beloved hit that defines his early career.

"Let Me Know Just How You Feel"
A track from the 1967 album *I Was Made to Love Her*. Although not released as a single, this fine track showcases the soulful expressive power of a young Stevie; live performances bring out an even more bluesy charm.

"If You Really Love Me"
A hit single from the 1971 album *Where I'm Coming From*. It reached number eight on the US charts and demonstrated a musical maturity that went a step beyond the traditional Motown sound. It served as a crucial bridge to his later masterpieces.

"Superwoman (Where Were You When I Needed You)"
A track from the acclaimed 1972 album *Music of My Mind*. While it did chart as a single, the song is known more for its immense musical acclaim than for commercial success. Its complex structure and delicate emotional expression mark Stevie's arrival at a new stage of artistry.

"You and I (We Can Conquer the World)"
Another ballad from *Music of My Mind*. A beautiful song centered on the bond between lovers, it may not have been a flashy chart-topper, but it has remained a long-time favorite among fans.

"What's Going On"
A historic masterpiece released by Marvin Gaye in 1971. As the title track of the concept album *What's Going On*—which addressed the Vietnam War and various social issues—it is considered a work that changed the history of soul music.

"My Cherie Amour"
A track from the 1969 album *My Cherie Amour* and a global hit that reached number four in the US. With its graceful melody and romantic lyrics, it remains one of Stevie's most popular signature songs.

"Blowin' in the Wind"
Famous as a signature song by Bob Dylan, Stevie's version also became a US top-10 hit in 1966. It is a message song that symbolizes the Civil Rights era and reflects the social consciousness of the young Stevie.

"With a Child's Heart"
A ballad included on the 1966 album *Up-Tight*. This song centers on the theme of a child's pure heart, featuring the strikingly clear, crystalline vocals of Stevie, who was a teenager at the time.

"Love Having You Around"
This track opens the album *Music of My Mind*. It is a love song filled with a sense of happiness; its sound—incorporating synthesizers and the clavinet—foreshadows the "golden era" of his career that would follow.

"Signed, Sealed, Delivered, I'm Yours"
Released in 1970, this massive hit is the title track of the album *Signed, Sealed & Delivered*. It reached number three on the US pop charts and number one on the R&B charts, remaining beloved today as a bright, dynamic Motown classic.

"Papa Was a Rollin' Stone"
While generally known as a signature song for The Temptations, the original version was recorded by The Undisputed Truth in 1972. The Temptations' version subsequently hit number one in the US and won a Grammy Award. With its lengthy intro and heavy, deep groove, it stands as a monumental track in 1970s soul music.

"Superstition"
This is a standout track from the 1972 masterpiece *Talking Book*. Known for its striking clavinet riff, it topped both the US pop and R&B charts. It is a song that defines Stevie's career and remains a classic in the history of funk.

"Maybe Your Baby"
Also included on *Talking Book*, this track was not released as a single but is highly acclaimed for its heavy sound—a fusion of blues, rock, and funk. It is one of the album's most energetic and experimental tracks.

"Uptight (Everything's Alright)"
This 1965 track was his major breakthrough hit and appears on the album *Up-Tight*. Reaching number three on the US pop charts and number one on the R&B charts, it marked his transition from "Little Stevie Wonder" to a full-fledged star. It remains one of the definitive songs of the Motown golden era. "Keep On Running"
Originally a hit for The Spencer Davis Group in 1965, Stevie himself recorded and released this song as a single in 1972. Consequently, during live performances from this period, he played it not merely as a cover, but as an integral part of his own repertoire—a powerful track that seamlessly blends soul and rock.

The setlist for this *Soul!* performance offers a comprehensive overview of his career, ranging from mid-60s Motown hits like "Uptight" and "My Cherie Amour" to "If You Really Love Me"—a song marking his transition into artistic maturity—and on to the innovative material found on albums like *Music of My Mind* and *Talking Book*. Far from a simple collection of hits, this concert documents Stevie Wonder’s evolution from a singer into a consummate musician; it is a historic performance that vividly foreshadows the golden era that would soon follow.

Notably, Wonderlove member Ray Parker Jr. went on to become a global star with the massive hit "Ghostbusters," while Ollie E. Brown established himself as a top-tier session drummer and producer. Stephen Madaio is also renowned as an ace trumpeter who contributed to masterpieces such as *Songs in the Key of Life*. The other members, too, are highly acclaimed as exceptional session and backing musicians who played a vital role in the golden age of 70s soul.