Stevie Wonder — Sir Duke
Album: Songs in the Key of LifeAvg rating:
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Total ratings: 2038
Length: 3:52
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Music is a world within itself
With a language we all understand
With an equal opportunity
For all to sing, dance and clap their hands
But just because a record has a groove
Don't make it in the groove
But you can tell right away at letter A
When the people start to move
They can feel it all over
They can feel it all over people
They can feel it all over
They can feel it all over people
Music knows it is and always will
Be one of the things that life just won't quit
But here are some of music's pioneers
That time will not allow us to forget:
For there's [[Count Basie|Basie]], [[Glenn Miller|Miller]], [[Louis Armstrong|Satchmo]]
And the king of all, [[Duke Ellington|Sir Duke]]
And with a voice like [[Ella Fitzgerald|Ella]]'s ringin' out
There's no way the band could lose
You can feel it all over
You can feel it all over people
You can feel it all over
You can feel it all over people
You can feel it all over
You can feel it all over people
You can feel it all over
You can feel it all over people
You can feel it all over
You can feel it all over people
You can feel it all over
You can feel it all over people
You can feel it all over
You can feel it all over people
You can feel it all over
I can feel it all over, all over people
Can't you feel it all over?
Come on, let's feel it all over people
You can feel it all over
Everybody, all over people
Come on!
With a language we all understand
With an equal opportunity
For all to sing, dance and clap their hands
But just because a record has a groove
Don't make it in the groove
But you can tell right away at letter A
When the people start to move
They can feel it all over
They can feel it all over people
They can feel it all over
They can feel it all over people
Music knows it is and always will
Be one of the things that life just won't quit
But here are some of music's pioneers
That time will not allow us to forget:
For there's [[Count Basie|Basie]], [[Glenn Miller|Miller]], [[Louis Armstrong|Satchmo]]
And the king of all, [[Duke Ellington|Sir Duke]]
And with a voice like [[Ella Fitzgerald|Ella]]'s ringin' out
There's no way the band could lose
You can feel it all over
You can feel it all over people
You can feel it all over
You can feel it all over people
You can feel it all over
You can feel it all over people
You can feel it all over
You can feel it all over people
You can feel it all over
You can feel it all over people
You can feel it all over
You can feel it all over people
You can feel it all over
You can feel it all over people
You can feel it all over
I can feel it all over, all over people
Can't you feel it all over?
Come on, let's feel it all over people
You can feel it all over
Everybody, all over people
Come on!
Comments (202)add comment
Great guy, great music.
ExpatLarry wrote:
I Agree! ...Composed as an homage to Duke Ellington.
Coming up with this arrangement, instrumentation, melody, and joyful feeling HAS to qualify one as a composer, as opposed to a "just" a songwriter.
I Agree! ...Composed as an homage to Duke Ellington.
Coming up with this arrangement, instrumentation, melody, and joyful feeling HAS to qualify one as a composer, as opposed to a "just" a songwriter.
I can remember going to bed at residence in Winter '77 (probably around midnight) and being woken up shortly afterwards by Psycho Dave playing this on his 100W a side stereo because it was such a cool tune. This album took (I think) two years to finish, which was a long time. Everyone agreed it was worth the wait. Definitely a desert island disc.
Chair dancing time!!! 
Rhyming "groove" with the same word "groove" in the next line lyrically is normally lazy and banal lyric writing...but when Stevie does it...it's somehow ok and it works!
GODLIKE!!! ICONIC!!!
Such a great tune - brings back memories of middle school. The horns are amazing -and the smile I saw on my classmate Jenny's face when this song came on is unforgettable.
10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10!
Schmoogsley wrote:
Says the person who attempts a sentence using only two words.
Terrible song.
Says the person who attempts a sentence using only two words.
Grammarcop wrote:
I remember seeing her on TV when I was young, you know Ed Sullivan and the like.
Looking back with more understanding, it is a shame the 50's - 60's television portrayed the likes of her and Louis Armstrong. They were always restricted to one or two songs. Seriously, it was years before I knew Armstrong had any song other than "Hello Dolly".
I may be the only person who listens to RP who can say I saw Ella Fitzgerald in concert.
[Insert old guy emoji here.]
[Insert old guy emoji here.]
I remember seeing her on TV when I was young, you know Ed Sullivan and the like.
Looking back with more understanding, it is a shame the 50's - 60's television portrayed the likes of her and Louis Armstrong. They were always restricted to one or two songs. Seriously, it was years before I knew Armstrong had any song other than "Hello Dolly".
My first 45 record... bought hot off the press , ah the memories
I may be the only person who listens to RP who can say I saw Ella Fitzgerald in concert.
[Insert old guy emoji here.]
[Insert old guy emoji here.]
Punkysoup wrote:
Thanks for the link. Jacob Collier is a genius, no question.
This song is an easy '10'. One of the most brilliantly written pop songs EVER.
Jacob Collier does a pretty brilliant analysis of this: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CZP6nogQYPg
Jacob Collier does a pretty brilliant analysis of this: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CZP6nogQYPg
Thanks for the link. Jacob Collier is a genius, no question.
xray38 wrote:
RP is a bit of everything. And everything means...everything.
And occasionally something really good becomes widely popular
RP is a bit of everything. And everything means...everything.
And occasionally something really good becomes widely popular
Excellent segue from The Black Keys' "Shine a Little Light"....
This song is pure joy! And what a great segue from "Sir Duke".
HectorPascal wrote:
Not ME! ...it sounds extra GREAT in FLAC with great headphones, amp & DAC!!!
A good enough tune but surely, RP, we listen avidly to this station to escape this typical mass-market Radio offering.
Not ME! ...it sounds extra GREAT in FLAC with great headphones, amp & DAC!!!
This song is an easy '10'. One of the most brilliantly written pop songs EVER.
Jacob Collier does a pretty brilliant analysis of this: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CZP6nogQYPg
Jacob Collier does a pretty brilliant analysis of this: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CZP6nogQYPg
HectorPascal wrote:
RP is a bit of everything. And everything means...everything.
A good enough tune but surely, RP, we listen avidly to this station to escape this typical mass-market Radio offering.
RP is a bit of everything. And everything means...everything.
Long Live Radio Paradise To me: 8 - Most Excellent
A good enough tune but surely, RP, we listen avidly to this station to escape this typical mass-market Radio offering.
I love this tune. Makes me want to get up and dance. So i just sit here and dance in my heart. 
nagsheadlocal wrote:
Ahh...one of those
Funny how often the music is a mental milepost to one's past memories; things you would have forgotten if not for a certain song, album or artist. And while my memories of most of Stevie's music don't involve my past romantic partners, it does remind me of a carefree time in my life (wait, that's odd; No girlfriend = carefree, that's a Bob Marley song!) and every time I hear this (or any of his seemingly dozens of hits) I find myself dancing in my chair and in awe of his true genius and brilliance. And I'm also glad it gives BillG a chance to segue some Duke E in the mix...so there's that too. PEACE and Long Live RP!!
When this came out, I was dating a woman who loved it so I heard it about ten times a day.
Oddly enough, she now lives in Petaluma and turned me on to RP way back in about 2002 or so. Anyway, still find this song tiresome but thanks, Denise! Next time I'm out in CA we'll get together.
Oddly enough, she now lives in Petaluma and turned me on to RP way back in about 2002 or so. Anyway, still find this song tiresome but thanks, Denise! Next time I'm out in CA we'll get together.
Ahh...one of those
Funny how often the music is a mental milepost to one's past memories; things you would have forgotten if not for a certain song, album or artist. And while my memories of most of Stevie's music don't involve my past romantic partners, it does remind me of a carefree time in my life (wait, that's odd; No girlfriend = carefree, that's a Bob Marley song!) and every time I hear this (or any of his seemingly dozens of hits) I find myself dancing in my chair and in awe of his true genius and brilliance. And I'm also glad it gives BillG a chance to segue some Duke E in the mix...so there's that too. PEACE and Long Live RP!!When this came out, I was dating a woman who loved it so I heard it about ten times a day.
Oddly enough, she now lives in Petaluma and turned me on to RP way back in about 2002 or so. Anyway, still find this song tiresome but thanks, Denise! Next time I'm out in CA we'll get together.
Oddly enough, she now lives in Petaluma and turned me on to RP way back in about 2002 or so. Anyway, still find this song tiresome but thanks, Denise! Next time I'm out in CA we'll get together.
this is a terrible song — the sort of am/fm radio play that i run from when I turn on RP
I feel this song all over and it hurts
it hurts bad
I feel this song all over and it hurts
it hurts bad
Worse song on this LP. Why does Bill play this song?
Schmoogsley wrote:
I'm sure you can read my mind.
Terrible song.
I'm sure you can read my mind.
Sly followup to Unsquare Dance. Nicely done.
Terrible song.
calypsus_1 wrote:
Wonder is presented the Gershwin Award for Lifetime Achievement by United States president Barack Obama.
"From the moment Stevie Wonder launched into Sir Duke, his performance was a miracle - a joyful signifier of the success of an ideological revolution. Fumigating the East Room with love and musical spirituality, the music legend roused the multiracial, multigenerational crowd to euphoria."
-Keith Mayerson writing in Artforum, December 2009.
By the way, missing a important songs of Stevie Wonder on the RP playlist, called "Overjoyed". The song was written first for the 1979 album Journey Through the Secret Life of Plants, but was left off the album, and re-recorded for the album "In Square Circle" (1985). The reason why I emphasize this song here, is because of the beautiful melody, lyrics, and also the high feeling of Stevie in interpreting. I think that although this song was initially excluded from publication, was always present in the mind of Stevie, who insisted with determination to be published again in new album, after six years, may, inclusive, the lyrics have been inspired the singer's personal life. Stevie still includes this song in their live performances.
Thanks for this info!
Wonder is presented the Gershwin Award for Lifetime Achievement by United States president Barack Obama.
"From the moment Stevie Wonder launched into Sir Duke, his performance was a miracle - a joyful signifier of the success of an ideological revolution. Fumigating the East Room with love and musical spirituality, the music legend roused the multiracial, multigenerational crowd to euphoria."
-Keith Mayerson writing in Artforum, December 2009.
By the way, missing a important songs of Stevie Wonder on the RP playlist, called "Overjoyed". The song was written first for the 1979 album Journey Through the Secret Life of Plants, but was left off the album, and re-recorded for the album "In Square Circle" (1985). The reason why I emphasize this song here, is because of the beautiful melody, lyrics, and also the high feeling of Stevie in interpreting. I think that although this song was initially excluded from publication, was always present in the mind of Stevie, who insisted with determination to be published again in new album, after six years, may, inclusive, the lyrics have been inspired the singer's personal life. Stevie still includes this song in their live performances.
Impact Stevie´s music:
"Wonder's songs are renowned for being quite difficult to sing. He has a very developed sense of harmony and uses many extended chords utilizing extensions such as ninths, elevenths, thirteenths, diminished fifths, etc. in his compositions. Many of his melodies make abrupt, unpredictable changes. Many of his vocal melodies are also melismatic, meaning that a syllable is sung over several notes. Some of his best known and most frequently covered songs are played in keys which are more often found in jazz than in pop and rock. For example, "Superstition", "Higher Ground" and "I Wish" are in the key of E flat minor, and feature distinctive riffs in the E flat minor pentatonic scale (i.e. largely on the black notes of the keyboard).
Wonder played a large role in bringing synthesizers to the forefront of popular music. He developed many new textures and sounds never heard before. In 1981, Wonder became the first owner of an E-mu Emulator" wikipedia
Thanks for this info!
Lindo525 wrote:
Nope. Only one! (Edit: OK - One per side. So I guess you are right. Grooves is correct. So, never mind) (Gosh - I hate when I lose the argument going on inside my head)
A few LPs actually had two parallel grooves on one side (Monty Python's "Matching Tie & Handkerchief", for example).
Nope. Only one! (Edit: OK - One per side. So I guess you are right. Grooves is correct. So, never mind) (Gosh - I hate when I lose the argument going on inside my head)
A few LPs actually had two parallel grooves on one side (Monty Python's "Matching Tie & Handkerchief", for example).
Time for today's "daily" Stevie Wonder selection...nttawwt
NeilBlanchard wrote:
Nope. Only one! (Edit: OK - One per side. So I guess you are right. Grooves is correct. So, never mind) (Gosh - I hate when I lose the argument going on inside my head)
Records had grooves?! ;-)
Nope. Only one! (Edit: OK - One per side. So I guess you are right. Grooves is correct. So, never mind) (Gosh - I hate when I lose the argument going on inside my head)
Superior sounds from an unbelievable album!! 
Share the love Stevie!!!!
Records had grooves?! ;-)
Had this double album (and a little extra little record) on vinyl about the time it came out. Loved this song since I first heard it. Still do.
Historical song
ick wrote:
Hate music???
Hate music???
Patrick wrote:
“Animals don't hate, and we're supposed to be better than them.” â Elvis Presley
It's far from the first time I've heard this song, and I hate it. I've always hated it. I will always hate it.
“Animals don't hate, and we're supposed to be better than them.” â Elvis Presley
Some things, like a fine wine, get better with age.......................this song ain't one of those things.
Not a big Stevie Wonder fan but today this song sounds excellent.
Ask any high school horn player about this tune, and they'll tell you it was one of their favorites. Strutting in a parade, or boogie time at the football game. Loud, sassy, and brassy!
feel like groovin!
| Cynaera (In a hammock under my own vine and fig tree.) |
|
I have gotta say that while I never had the privilege of personally communicating with Cynaera, but I do miss her comments here on RP.
I think this was the very first piece of purchased music I ever owned. It was a 45, in 1977, when I was living in New Jersey. For some reason I loved this song enough to want the record. I was 13.
It's still awesome, though not quite as sparkly as I felt it was back then.
It's still awesome, though not quite as sparkly as I felt it was back then.
May be trite, but can't deny his utmost talent. Love the bass part too!
Those horns are a happy happy sound. 
Wonder is presented the Gershwin Award for Lifetime Achievement by United States president Barack Obama.
"From the moment Stevie Wonder launched into Sir Duke, his performance was a miracle - a joyful signifier of the success of an ideological revolution. Fumigating the East Room with love and musical spirituality, the music legend roused the multiracial, multigenerational crowd to euphoria."
-Keith Mayerson writing in Artforum, December 2009.
By the way, missing a important songs of Stevie Wonder on the RP playlist, called "Overjoyed". The song was written first for the 1979 album Journey Through the Secret Life of Plants, but was left off the album, and re-recorded for the album "In Square Circle" (1985). The reason why I emphasize this song here, is because of the beautiful melody, lyrics, and also the high feeling of Stevie in interpreting. I think that although this song was initially excluded from publication, was always present in the mind of Stevie, who insisted with determination to be published again in new album, after six years, may, inclusive, the lyrics have been inspired the singer's personal life. Stevie still includes this song in their live performances.
Impact Stevie´s music:
"Wonder's songs are renowned for being quite difficult to sing. He has a very developed sense of harmony and uses many extended chords utilizing extensions such as ninths, elevenths, thirteenths, diminished fifths, etc. in his compositions. Many of his melodies make abrupt, unpredictable changes. Many of his vocal melodies are also melismatic, meaning that a syllable is sung over several notes. Some of his best known and most frequently covered songs are played in keys which are more often found in jazz than in pop and rock. For example, "Superstition", "Higher Ground" and "I Wish" are in the key of E flat minor, and feature distinctive riffs in the E flat minor pentatonic scale (i.e. largely on the black notes of the keyboard).
Wonder played a large role in bringing synthesizers to the forefront of popular music. He developed many new textures and sounds never heard before. In 1981, Wonder became the first owner of an E-mu Emulator" wikipedia
Patrick wrote:
There's an open mind for you..and it's not even a fav. tune of mine..Dude, you need a hug .
It's far from the first time I've heard this song, and I hate it. I've always hated it. I will always hate it.
There's an open mind for you..and it's not even a fav. tune of mine..Dude, you need a hug .
This super hit has a small rating ! 8,5 or 9 !!!
Haters be gone. Stevie Wonder is truly classic, and this tune AND this album are genius. (Bill is following up with a Duke Ellington tune today, and it's simply fabulous!)
Overplayed, trite, etc etc
I never knew the name of this song, but I've always thought it is a very fun song. 9.
Patrick wrote:
Obviously, you're not a golfer............
It's far from the first time I've heard this song, and I hate it. I've always hated it. I will always hate it.
Obviously, you're not a golfer............
Patrick wrote:
Lot of hatred there mate, maybe you'd better get yourself checked...
It's far from the first time I've heard this song, and I hate it. I've always hated it. I will always hate it.
Lot of hatred there mate, maybe you'd better get yourself checked...
It's far from the first time I've heard this song, and I hate it. I've always hated it. I will always hate it.
If any of us would hear this song and artist for the very first time in this era we would probably be quite shocked and amazed how great it actually really is!!
Stingray wrote:
And you're an imbecile. At least Mr. Wonder's got amazing talent. You, on the other hand, have demonstrated no discernible redeeming qualities as far as I can tell.
Hate the man and his song,
He's blind!
He's blind!
And you're an imbecile. At least Mr. Wonder's got amazing talent. You, on the other hand, have demonstrated no discernible redeeming qualities as far as I can tell.
Love it.... Reminds me of being in grade school.
stromdal wrote:
Seconded...
Thirdconded....
Seconded...
Thirdconded....
Today's daily dose of Stevie...
By far...not his best.
Hate the man and his song,
He's blind!
He's blind!
I certainly heard enough of this track on terrestrial radio in '76—'77 to last me a freakin' lifetime. Between a Glen Campbell track, another Hall & Oates hit and a Climax tune that finally made the charts, it seems that these were the only things we heard on the radio during a round-trip drive from Northern Lower Michigan to Hilton Head Island, SC, by way of Great Smokey Mountains National Park.
MUTE
MUTE
As a former college radio DJ*, I can assure you that playing only esoteric, highbrow music will drive listeners away. Every now and then you need to drop in something familiar.
Thank goodness, when Bill does toss in the 'singalong,' it's a high-quality one.
* WARP, 91.7 FM, the voice of Erskine College. Yes, WARP: W A(ssociate) R(eformed) P(resbyterian Church). The church folks didn't think that completely through.
Thank goodness, when Bill does toss in the 'singalong,' it's a high-quality one.
* WARP, 91.7 FM, the voice of Erskine College. Yes, WARP: W A(ssociate) R(eformed) P(resbyterian Church). The church folks didn't think that completely through.
jjbix wrote:
Oh yes, except that it is one of his best.
worst stevie song ever . . .
Oh yes, except that it is one of his best.
casey1024 wrote:
Seconded...
Geesh. Get off your high horses!
Seconded...
Just because a record has a groove don't make it in the groove.
This record is in the groove.
This record is in the groove.
"Oh, fer CHRIST'S SAKE!" 
Just about everything on this album is a classic, its true. But this particular well-played gem is timeless too. Get over the too-cool for the regular thang attitude and just enjoy the groove!
Just about everything on this album is a classic, its true. But this particular well-played gem is timeless too. Get over the too-cool for the regular thang attitude and just enjoy the groove!
Come on Bill — take this one out of the rotation. Listen to the other stuff on this album. 
Geesh. Get off your high horses!
Rooney wrote:
Agreed. Bill could have played 20 other songs from this masterpiece of a CD. Pity.
Seconded. . .
Agreed. Bill could have played 20 other songs from this masterpiece of a CD. Pity.
Seconded. . .
ugly wrote:
Agreed. Bill could have played 20 other songs from this masterpiece of a CD. Pity.
This is not my favorite song.
Agreed. Bill could have played 20 other songs from this masterpiece of a CD. Pity.
This is not my favorite song.
vandal wrote:
With all due respect. A quick review of selected dates in history:
JS Bach: 1685-1750
WA Mozart: 1756-1791
Reginald Fessenden conducts world's first AM radio broadcast: 1906
General Electric begins FM broadcasting: 1939
Columbia Records takes the credit for inventing "The vinyl LP:" 1948
Stevie Wonder's "Sir Duke:" circa 1976
Your original post stated, ". . .one of the most sophisticated arrangements and recordings of its time." Recorded vs. composed.
It would have been difficult for either Herr Bach or Herr Mozart to record and/or broadcast their music during their day. And, equally difficult for them to compose during Stevie's lifetime. So I chose from notable music of theirs which was recorded during the time frame of Stevie's "Sir Duke" and made my lay person's comparison.
I stand by my original stated opinion regarding the relative sophistication of Mr. Wonder's recording vs. those of Hr. Bach or Hr. Mozart.
I now see that you are referring to classical music recordings which were done in that time frame. I agree, it would have been "difficult" at least, for either of those gentlemen to compose, broadcast or recording in the late 20th Century. I guess I should have specified that the song was one of the most sophisticated popular music arrangements and recordings of its time - as a recording and a composition, and not disregarded recordings of other genres which were being done at that time. I suppose that the lack of precision in my statement left the door open for the (often unneeded) comparison between classical music and contemporary popular music.
Well, I'm glad we cleared that up.
Regards.
With all due respect. A quick review of selected dates in history:
JS Bach: 1685-1750
WA Mozart: 1756-1791
Reginald Fessenden conducts world's first AM radio broadcast: 1906
General Electric begins FM broadcasting: 1939
Columbia Records takes the credit for inventing "The vinyl LP:" 1948
Stevie Wonder's "Sir Duke:" circa 1976
Your original post stated, ". . .one of the most sophisticated arrangements and recordings of its time." Recorded vs. composed.
It would have been difficult for either Herr Bach or Herr Mozart to record and/or broadcast their music during their day. And, equally difficult for them to compose during Stevie's lifetime. So I chose from notable music of theirs which was recorded during the time frame of Stevie's "Sir Duke" and made my lay person's comparison.
I stand by my original stated opinion regarding the relative sophistication of Mr. Wonder's recording vs. those of Hr. Bach or Hr. Mozart.
I now see that you are referring to classical music recordings which were done in that time frame. I agree, it would have been "difficult" at least, for either of those gentlemen to compose, broadcast or recording in the late 20th Century. I guess I should have specified that the song was one of the most sophisticated popular music arrangements and recordings of its time - as a recording and a composition, and not disregarded recordings of other genres which were being done at that time. I suppose that the lack of precision in my statement left the door open for the (often unneeded) comparison between classical music and contemporary popular music.
Well, I'm glad we cleared that up.
Regards.
vandal wrote:
Gee, did I touch a nerve?
". . .it's one of the most sophisticated arrangements and recordings of its time." Really?
As sophisticated as Bach's Fantasia in C minor, or Chromatic Fantasia? Blasphemy. As sophisticated as Mozart's Sinfonia Concertante for violin, viola & orchestra in E flat major? Doubtful.
Oh right, 'comparisons and how things suffer when they're made' and all that. . .
Stevie's a righteous dude - I just don't agree with the level of deification granted him for this particular pop song.
No, you didn't really "touch a nerve" so much, other than dismissing this song as "cheap...fodder". However, I think you misinterpreted part of my post. I specified this song was "one of the most sophisticated...of its time" — not of all time. As brilliant and transcendent as Bach and Mozart were, they were not composing music in the 1970's. I understand if you don't like this particular tune and I don't like artists and/or composers being "deified" either. Anyhow, have a good day.
Gee, did I touch a nerve?
". . .it's one of the most sophisticated arrangements and recordings of its time." Really?
As sophisticated as Bach's Fantasia in C minor, or Chromatic Fantasia? Blasphemy. As sophisticated as Mozart's Sinfonia Concertante for violin, viola & orchestra in E flat major? Doubtful.
Oh right, 'comparisons and how things suffer when they're made' and all that. . .
Stevie's a righteous dude - I just don't agree with the level of deification granted him for this particular pop song.
No, you didn't really "touch a nerve" so much, other than dismissing this song as "cheap...fodder". However, I think you misinterpreted part of my post. I specified this song was "one of the most sophisticated...of its time" — not of all time. As brilliant and transcendent as Bach and Mozart were, they were not composing music in the 1970's. I understand if you don't like this particular tune and I don't like artists and/or composers being "deified" either. Anyhow, have a good day.
vandal wrote:
Yeah, yeah, yeah - Stevie Wonder and all that. Sir Duke is still cheap FM radio fodder and adds no depth to the RP eclecticism mystique. . .
Part of the "mystique" of "eclecticism" is that anything literally adds depth to it. You're obviously entitled to believe what you want, but this is not "cheap FM radio fodder" either - it's one of the most sophisticated arrangements and recordings of its time.
Yeah, yeah, yeah - Stevie Wonder and all that. Sir Duke is still cheap FM radio fodder and adds no depth to the RP eclecticism mystique. . .
Part of the "mystique" of "eclecticism" is that anything literally adds depth to it. You're obviously entitled to believe what you want, but this is not "cheap FM radio fodder" either - it's one of the most sophisticated arrangements and recordings of its time.
spumoni wrote:
The lyrics say - "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 could lose!"
Hey Stevie, just wondering how they can feel it all over and over and over and over, ad infinitum!? Is there anything else going on here... what the hell does Sir Duke have to do with this anyway? Just wondering as the headache becomes pervasive.
The lyrics say - "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 could lose!"
a Happy Song! Not a masterpiece, just happy.
jjbix wrote:
tell us how you really feel....
worst stevie song ever . . .
tell us how you really feel....
This song seemed so great during jazz dance class back in the 70s, but doesn't do a thing for me now... unlike some of his earlier stuff which is timeless.
This was my favorite song to dance to at my 8th grade "record hops" 
Yeah, yeah, yeah - Stevie Wonder and all that. Sir Duke is still cheap FM radio fodder and adds no depth to the RP eclecticism mystique. . .
cvandoren wrote:Not one of his better ones - I find the lyrics pretty mindless and certainly repetitive. But it has horns which pull it up to a 5. Its all about the horns...
Not one of his better ones - I find the lyrics pretty mindless and certainly repetitive. But it has horns which pull it up to a 5. Its all about the horns...
Hey Stevie, just wondering how they can feel it all over and over and over and over, ad infinitum!? Is there anything else going on here... what the hell does Sir Duke have to do with this anyway? Just wondering as the headache becomes pervasive.
emorphien wrote:
Looks like they're just hitting repeat today!
And again today - but, hey, when it works, it works.
Looks like they're just hitting repeat today!
And again today - but, hey, when it works, it works.
didnt this and another wonder song play yesterday?
wish there was a way to thin stuff out a bit more
wish there was a way to thin stuff out a bit more
So good I had to rewind and let it play again.
That_SOB wrote:
Stevie has been a huge name in music for years and the reason is because he is damm good !
But when you get around to deciding his worst piece "Ebony and Ivory" has to be the worst train wreck
this man has done. I do give some discredit to Paul also. ..
"I am black, and you are white"
"YOU are BLIND as a BAT, and I have Sight"!
/Joe Piscopo/Eddie Murphy'd
Stevie has been a huge name in music for years and the reason is because he is damm good !
But when you get around to deciding his worst piece "Ebony and Ivory" has to be the worst train wreck
this man has done. I do give some discredit to Paul also. ..
"I am black, and you are white"
"YOU are BLIND as a BAT, and I have Sight"!
/Joe Piscopo/Eddie Murphy'd
I definitely had my fill of this 32 years ago.
jjbix wrote:
worst stevie song ever . . .
Glad to know I'm not the only one that doesn't like this one ... My Girlfriend and I just had the best time dancing to this song....We can feel it all over!
Good timing Bill! Steveie is playing a free outdoor concert here in Montreal tonight for the opening of the Jazz Festival. Nice one.
RP is rippin' it this morning...
emorphien wrote:
Looks like they're just hitting repeat today!
Looks like we're breaking in another newbie.
Looks like they're just hitting repeat today!
Looks like we're breaking in another newbie.
catsoup wrote:
Looks like they're just hitting repeat today!
Bill's really on a tear this morning: Green Onions, Long Line of Cars, Unsquare Dance, Sir Duke. AWESOME!
Looks like they're just hitting repeat today!
Stevie owns a local radio station KJLH, DJ's on Thursday mornings, Great sense of humor as well as all that talent!!!!!
Following the James P. Johnson cut, this sounds mighty weak.
I've always like this tune . . . was not always able to understand
They can feel it all over
They can feel it all over people
They can feel it all over
They can feel it all over people
They can feel it all over
They can feel it all over people
They can feel it all over
They can feel it all over people
Bill's really on a tear this morning: Green Onions, Long Line of Cars, Unsquare Dance, Sir Duke. AWESOME!
We watched Stevie Wonder receive the Gershwin Award at the White House on PBS last night - Stevie opened with this and there was an amazing cadre of artists who followed, covering his songs (two of note: Esperanza Spalding, jazz bassist and vocalist, and Mary Mary, a fabulous gospel duo). Stevie's brilliant songwriting days may be behind him, but he still is a kickass performer!
Had to log in, just to say THANKS BILL!!!
thanks for that midday pickup....
thanks for that midday pickup....
That_SOB wrote:
Stevie has been a huge name in music for years and the reason is because he is damm good !
But when you get around to deciding his worst piece "Ebony and Ivory" has to be the worst train wreck
this man has done. I do give some discredit to Paul also. ..
Oh yes - totally agree. Paul (who lives about 7 miles from me......) hasn't done anything good since Wings. And even some of that is questionable.
Stevie has been a huge name in music for years and the reason is because he is damm good !
But when you get around to deciding his worst piece "Ebony and Ivory" has to be the worst train wreck
this man has done. I do give some discredit to Paul also. ..
Oh yes - totally agree. Paul (who lives about 7 miles from me......) hasn't done anything good since Wings. And even some of that is questionable.
My 12 year old daughter heard this for the first time last week when we bought this album on CD. It is now in her top ten. Shows how great his music is that it can be appreciated by all ages.
She was even more impressed when I told her he was blind.....
She was even more impressed when I told her he was blind.....
Stevie has been a huge name in music for years and the reason is because he is damm good !
But when you get around to deciding his worst piece "Ebony and Ivory" has to be the worst train wreck
this man has done. I do give some discredit to Paul also. ..
It's hot outside on a Miami weekend. I'm 16 years old again and washing my beloved old '69 Dodge Charger with a radio in the background playing American Top 40 and this song comes on. It's a true time traveling moment. That is just one of the reasons I like this old song. Wow. Thanks for the memories, RP.
No I haven't, but I generally love SW, but this tune drives me
greener wrote:
Have you ever heard the soundtrack that he did for the "Secret Life of Plants"? That stuff is really awful. This song blows those songs out of the water!
greener wrote:
Have you ever heard the soundtrack that he did for the "Secret Life of Plants"? That stuff is really awful. This song blows those songs out of the water!
jjbix wrote:
Have you ever heard the soundtrack that he did for the "Secret Life of Plants"? That stuff is really awful. This song blows those songs out of the water!
worst stevie song ever . . .
Have you ever heard the soundtrack that he did for the "Secret Life of Plants"? That stuff is really awful. This song blows those songs out of the water!
worst stevie song ever . . .
dionysius wrote:
There's no telling what a pencil-thin moustache will do for a man.
Tribute to The Man—it should! 
There's no telling what a pencil-thin moustache will do for a man.
BKardon wrote:
This has to be one of the most stupid posts I've ever read on here. Hopefully I won't have to read anymore like this.
Sincerely,
One of those with a different opinion than yours.
This has to be one of the stupidest posts I've ever read on here. Please don't post anymore.
This has to be one of the most stupid posts I've ever read on here. Hopefully I won't have to read anymore like this.
Sincerely,
One of those with a different opinion than yours.
andrewimft wrote:
well said brother. the folks who don't get stevie, well i just want to make them dance with me!
This is the kind of song that makes you want to drop everything and just start to dance wherever you are as soon as you hear it. That's how great, and what kind of a great song it is.
well said brother. the folks who don't get stevie, well i just want to make them dance with me!
I just kinda feel it in this one spot right here....
This is the kind of song that makes you want to drop everything and just start to dance wherever you are as soon as you hear it. That's how great, and what kind of a great song it is.
Hate the man and his song,
He's blind!
Ah yes, "hate", your favourite word.
For the record, you are the sad little troll who is blind.