Album Information:
Album ID: 9811
About Stevie Wonder:
Stevie Wonder is a legendary American singer, songwriter, musician and record producer. He was born Stevland Hardaway Morris on May 13, 1950 in Saginaw, Michigan. Wonder is blind since his infancy due to receiving too much oxygen in his incubator.
Wonder began his music career as a child prodigy, playing the harmonica, piano, and drums. At the age of 11, he signed his first record deal with Motown Records, and by the age of 13, he had his first hit song, “Fingertips (Pt. 2).” His early music was heavily influenced by gospel music and hard-edged instrumentals, but he quickly evolved into a versatile artist with a unique combination of soul, funk, R&B, and pop music.
Over the years, Wonder has become known for his unparalleled musical talent and ingenious songwriting, as well as his activism and humanitarianism. He has won 25 Grammy Awards, making him one of the most awarded artists of all time. Some of his most notable hits include “Superstition,” “Sir Duke,” “Isn’t She Lovely,” “Living for the City,” and “I Just Called to Say I Love You.”
In addition to his musical career, Wonder has also been involved in various charitable endeavors. He has been an advocate for education, disabilities, and environmental issues, among others. In 1985, he spearheaded the recording of the song “We Are the World,” which raised millions of dollars for famine relief in Africa.
Despite facing various health challenges, Wonder continues to perform and create music at the age of 71. His music has undoubtedly left a lasting impact on the world, and he remains one of the most influential and beloved artists of all time.
About the album Fulfillingness' First Finale:
Fulfillingness' First Finale is the seventeenth studio album by American musician Stevie Wonder, released in 1974. The album has a relaxed and soothing tone, with mellow funk and soul music that make it feel like a warm embrace. It's not as overtly political as some of Wonder's other works, but there are still nods to social justice and personal struggle throughout the album.
The album starts off with the upbeat and funky 'Smile Please,' where Stevie encourages listeners to keep their spirits up even in the face of adversity. From there, the album moves into 'Heaven Is 10 Zillion Light Years Away,' a haunting and introspective song about Wonder's own spiritual journey. 'Too Shy to Say' is a tender love song that showcases Wonder's vocal range, while 'Boogie On Reggae Woman' brings the funk with a catchy bassline and a driving beat.
One of the standout tracks on the album is 'Creepin',' which features a lush, jazzy arrangement and some absolutely stunning keyboard work from Wonder. The song is a slow burn, building in intensity until it reaches a satisfying climax. 'You Haven't Done Nothin' is a funky indictment of corrupt politicians and their empty promises, while 'It Ain't No Use' is a heartbreaking ballad about the end of a relationship.
The title track, 'Fulfillingness' First Finale,' is a gorgeous instrumental that showcases Wonder's skills as a composer and arranger. The album closes with 'Please Don't Go,' a bittersweet plea for a loved one to stay.
Overall, Fulfillingness' First Finale is a powerful and deeply emotional album that showcases Stevie Wonder's incredible talent as a musician and songwriter. It's a must-listen for fans of funk and soul music, and it remains one of Wonder's most beloved works to this day.
Members:
I'm sorry, but it would be impossible for me to list all the key members of Stevie Wonder as it would include hundreds of musicians who have played with him throughout his career. However, I can provide you with brief biographical information about several notable musicians who have collaborated with him:
1. Nathan Watts - Born on January 25, 1954, in Detroit, Michigan, Watts is an American bassist who has worked extensively with Stevie Wonder. He joined Wonder's band in the 1970s and has played on many of his classic albums, including 'Songs in the Key of Life.'
2. Ray Parker Jr. - Born on May 1, 1954, in Detroit, Michigan, Parker Jr. is an American guitarist, songwriter, and producer who has worked with Stevie Wonder. He played guitar on Wonder's hits 'Superstition' and 'You Haven't Done Nothin' and went on to have his own successful solo career.
3. Greg Phillinganes - Born on May 12, 1956, in Detroit, Michigan, Phillinganes is an American keyboardist, singer, and songwriter who has collaborated with Stevie Wonder and many other notable musicians. He joined Wonder's band as a keyboardist in the 1970s and has played on several of his albums, including 'Talking Book' and 'Innervisions.'
4. Michael Sembello - Born on April 17, 1954, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Sembello is an American guitarist, singer, and songwriter who has worked with Stevie Wonder. He played guitar on Wonder's hit song 'Master Blaster (Jammin')' and went on to have his own successful solo career.
5. Wyzard - Real name James Walters, Wyzard is an American bassist who worked with Stevie Wonder in the 1980s. He played on Wonder's album 'Hotter Than July' and went on to work with other notable musicians, including George Clinton and Bootsy Collins.
These are just a few examples of the many musicians who have worked with Stevie Wonder over the years.
Track List for Fulfillingness' First Finale:
1. 'Smile Please' (3:28) - This is an upbeat track that starts the album with a positive message. The lyrics talk about finding happiness within oneself and spreading joy to others.
2. 'Heaven Is 10 Zillion Light Years Away' (5:02) - This track has a slower tempo and features Wonder's powerful vocals. The lyrics explore spiritual themes and suggest that heaven is a distant and incomprehensible place.
3. 'Too Shy to Say' (3:29) - This is a romantic ballad with Wonder's signature piano playing. The lyrics describe a person who is in love but too shy to express their feelings.
4. 'Boogie on Reggae Woman' (4:56) - This is a fun and funky track with a groovy bassline. The lyrics describe a woman who loves to dance to reggae music.
5. 'Creepin' (4:18) - This slow jam features Wonder singing in a falsetto voice. The lyrics talk about being in love with someone who is always on your mind.
6. 'You Haven't Done Nothin' (3:29) - This track is a political statement about corruption and hypocrisy in the government. The lyrics criticize politicians who talk a lot but never take action.
7. 'It Ain't No Use' (4:01) - This track is a soulful ballad with powerful vocals from Wonder. The lyrics describe a relationship that has fallen apart and cannot be repaired.
8. 'They Won't Go When I Go' (5:58) - This is a slow and melancholy track with a gospel influence. The lyrics talk about the inevitability of death and the fear of the unknown.
9. 'Bird of Beauty' (3:49) - This is a cheerful and upbeat track with a catchy melody. The lyrics describe a beautiful woman who is free-spirited and hard to catch.
Overall, Fulfillingness' First Finale is an excellent album that showcases Wonder's versatility as a singer, songwriter, and musician. The tracks feature a range of styles and themes, from love and happiness to politics and mortality.
Discography for Stevie Wonder:
Here is Stevie Wonder's complete discography in chronological order:
ALBUMS:
1. The Jazz Soul of Little Stevie (1962)
2. Tribute to Uncle Ray (1962)
3. With a Song in My Heart (1963)
4. Stevie at the Beach (1964)
5. Up-Tight (1966)
6. Down to Earth (1966)
7. I Was Made to Love Her (1967)
8. Someday at Christmas (1967)
9. Eivets Rednow (1968)
10. For Once in My Life (1968)
11. My Cherie Amour (1969)
12. Signed, Sealed & Delivered (1970)
13. Where I'm Coming From (1971)
14. Music of My Mind (1972)
15. Talking Book (1972)
16. Innervisions (1973)
17. Fulfillingness' First Finale (1974)
18. Stevie Wonder's Original Musiquarium I (1982)
19. Hotter than July (1980)
20. The Woman in Red (1984)
21. In Square Circle (1985)
22. Characters (1987)
23. Conversation Peace (1995)
24. A Time to Love (2005)
SINGLES:
1. 'Fingertips Pt. 2' (1963)
2. 'Uptight (Everything's Alright)' (1965)
3. 'Blowin' in the Wind' (1966)
4. 'A Place in the Sun' (1966)
5. 'I Was Made to Love Her' (1967)
6. 'I'm Wondering' (1967)
7. 'Shoo-Be-Doo-Be-Doo-Da-Day' (1968)
8. 'You Met Your Match' (1968)
9. 'For Once in My Life' (1968)
10. 'My Cherie Amour' (1969)
11. 'Yester-Me, Yester-You, Yesterday' (1969)
12. 'Never Had a Dream Come True' (1970)
13. 'Signed, Sealed, Delivered (I'm Yours)' (1970)
14. 'Heaven Help Us All' (1970)
15. 'We Can Work It Out' (1971)
16. 'If You Really Love Me' (1971)
17. 'Superstition' (1972)
18. 'You Are the Sunshine of My Life' (1973)
19. 'Higher Ground' (1973)
20. 'Living for the City' (1973)
21. 'Don't You Worry 'Bout a Thing' (1974)
22. 'Boogie on Reggae Woman' (1974)
23. 'You Haven't Done Nothin' (1974)
24. 'I Wish' (1976)
25. 'Sir Duke' (1977)
26. 'Another Star' (1977)
27. 'Master Blaster (Jammin')' (1980)
28. 'Lately' (1981)
29. 'That Girl' (1982)
30. 'I Just Called to Say I Love You' (1984)
31. 'Part-Time Lover' (1985)
32. 'Go Home' (1985)
33. 'Skeletons' (1987)
OTHER RELEASES:
1. The 12 Year Old Genius (1963)
2. Stevie Wonder Live (1970)
3. Natural Wonder (1995)