Album: The Jazz Soul Of Little Stevie (debut album) Artist: Stevie Wonder Label: Tamla/Motown Recorded: Hitsville USA (1962) Release: September 1962 Producers: Henry Cosby, Clarence Paul Cover Design: Barni Wright LITTLE STEVIE WONDER, the eleven year old sightless musical prodigy of Tamla records, is destined for great success, says Berry Gordy, Jr., president of Motown/Tamla recording company. "He has an original and effective style, despite the handicap he has suffered since birth." Stevie was first noted by Motown/Tamla records when Stevie and a little friend, John Glover, visited the home of Ronald White, a member of the famed Miracles vocal group, to play with Ronnie's kid brother, Gerald. During their visit, Stevie began to play and sing, and when Ronnie heard him he sent for Brian Holland, talent scout and A&R; man for Tamla records. As Stevie puts it, Brian said, "Yeah, you're fabulous", and told us to come to the studio the next day. At the present time Stevie plays the bongos, drums, organ, piano and harmonica, which he has been playing since he was five, and at which he excels. Adored and acclaimed by all who witness his amazing performance, Stevie is touted as a musical genius. Not only are outside observers amazed by his self-styled versatility, but Motown/Tamla artists and employees are kept limp as he energetically sings and plays for hours. In this, his first album, Stevie displays a tiny person of his versatility, from the jazzy piano of "Session Number 112" to the mellow jazz harmonica of "Some Other Time". Clarence Paul, Asst. A&R; director, when asked what He thinks of Stevie, simply Said, "The cat is terrific, I really don't know what else to say." Clarence is responsible for Stevie cutting, and for the production of this album. We all say to you, we hope that this album will be as much pleasure to listen to as it for us to present. Inside cover text written by Billie Jean Brown, the head of the Motown Quality Control department at that time. -- [Side1] FINGERTIPS (COSBY, PAUL) -- featuring LITTLE STEVIE on bongos (0:00) SQUARE (GLENN, PAUL) -- featuring LITTLE STEVIE on harmonica (02:59) SOUL BONGO (PAUL, GAYE) - featuring LITTLE STEVIE on bongos (06:04) MANHATTAN AT SIX (PAUL, COSBY) - featuring LITTLE STEVIE on drums (08:26) PAULSBY (PAUL, COSBY) - featuring LITTLE STEVIE on organ and harmonica (12:14) [Side2] SOME OTHER TIME (COSBY, PAUL) - featuring LITTLE STEVIE on harmonica (15:02) WONDERING (JUDKINS, PAUL) - featuring LITTLE STEVIE on organ (20:13) SESSION NUMBER 112 (JUDKINS, PAUL) - featuring LITTLE STEVIE on harmonica (23:05) BAM (BERRY GORDY, JR) - featuring LITTLE STEVIE on harmonica (26:24)

• published: 25 Oct 2013
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