Sir Duke - Stevie Wonder | College Students' FIRST TIME REACTION! 

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This was released shortly after Duke Ellington passed away. The horns and band was the Duke Ellington Orchestra, that's why they're so good. He mentioned (Count) Basie, (Glenn) Miller, Louis Armstrong (Satchmo), and Ella (Fitzgerald) who sang with Duke Ellington. It's just perfection!

"Music is a world within itself, with a language we all understand." That says it all. This is my favorite Stevie Wonder song. 🔥🔥🔥

Stevie Wonder is one of those rare artists who is a genre unto himself.

If you haven't done "I Wish" yet, you should do that next. It has a summery vibe and probably my favorite from this album.

"Songs In The Key Of Life" Brilliant name for an immaculate album! It's musical perfection!

We are lucky to live in the time of Stevie Wonder

My Grandfather was a Big Band Leader & I grew up with him sharing that era of Jazz & Swing with me. I love that Stevie paid respect to some of the greats - Count Basie, Glenn Miller, Louis Armstrong, Duke Ellington, and the amazing Ella Fitzgerald. 👏

"Isn't She Lovely", written about his newborn daughter, is pure joy.

Stevie has more S-Tier songs than you have fingers to count them on! One of the greatest artists in history!

“As” is one of greatest Stevie songs

Stevie's great tribute to his jazz heroes/pioneers Duke Ellington, Count Basie, Glenn Miller, Louis Armstrong and Ella Fitzgerald. He didn't want their music to be forgotten.

“Don't You Worry 'bout A Thing” is another great banger to check out next from Stevie, guys! You'll love!

“As” from the same classic album is another piece of magic

“Isn’t she lovely” should be on your list. Phenomenal harmonica throughout.

I can’t remember if you guys have covered “Living for the City” but if you haven’t it’s another masterpiece by Stevie. Profound, gritty, heartbreaking. Would recommend.

A&A, you’ll love his “You Are The Sunshine Of My Life", “Don't You Worry 'bout A Thing” and “My Cherie Amour” and more!!! edit- best 4 opening lines of a song! My all-time favorite song! Stevie pays tribute to Bob Marley in his song "Master Blaster(Jammin') " and Stevie features Jazz trumpet great Dizzy Gillespie in his song "Do I Do".

I was in the Air Force when this came out. You could hear it playing in almost every room in the dorm. This was a great album. He won album of the year in 1974, 1975, and 1976. He also has won 25 Grammy Awards and sold over 100 million albums.

Stevie Wonder is literally "S Tier." 😎 Brilliant review and analysis of this R & B/Pop classic by one of the greatest musicians of all time. Thank you!

The entire lp, Songs In the Key of Life, is a true masterpiece of the 70's. Every tune is worthy of a listen.

Alex hit it on the head! The lyric was “Here are some of music’s pioneers.”

Songs in the Key of Life! One of the best albums of all time. Songwriting at another level.

The next Stevie Wonder reaction should be to "I Wish", it's so groovy and has a killer funky bass line. Simply stellar.

Dude, my mom used to have a couch back in the 70’s that looked exactly like those pants!!🤣😎

This whole double album is a MAS-TER-PIECE! The Stevie catalog is deep and wide, just a towering talent. The horn riff was a must-learn for all the players in my high school with any self respect! :) Didn't know any bass players that could hang though!! Awesome analysis, by the way. Nicely done!

"Living for The City," "Pastime Paradise," "As" are all great songs with different feels that are well worth checking out.

"Just because a record has a groove, don't make it in the groove" One of my favorite lyrics of all time, and so true! Stevie is not only celebrating the greats that infuenced him, but music itself! "Music is a world within itself, with a language we all understand...."

SONGS IN THE KEY OF LIFE is an absolutely essential full album reaction, guys. He won four Album of the Year Grammies in the 70's (it got to the point where when Paul Simon won in 1975 he thanked Stevie in his acceptance speech for not releasing an album!). All four are stone cold end-to-end classics.......but this is the one to start with. Up there with EXILE ON MAIN STREET , QUADROPHENIA and THE WALL as the best studio double lps of the decade.

Songs in the Key of Life is totally album-reaction-worthy - my fave is "As...." but this is a close second. But you can't go wrong with Stevie - even his mailed-in-80s stuff is still head and shoulders above other artists of the time in terms of production value and musicality.

Can you imagine the joy of being 16 years old and hearing this on the radio multiple times a day? Thanks for taking me back!

Yes, Alex, spot on! The verse is..."and with Basie, Miller, Sachmo, and the king of all, Sir Duke, and with a voice like Ella's ringing out, there's no way the band can lose." So it's Count Basie, Glen Miller, Sachmo aka Louis Armstrong, and Ella Fitzgerald. Oh yeah, Duke Ellington.

"Don't You Worry About a Thing", "You Haven't Done Nothing", "Master Blaster"!

This album is iconic. My favorite is “ AS”. All the songs are great.

Released within two days of Fleetwood Mac's "Dreams" in March 1977. Two number one powerhouses. These were all over our world that spring and summer.

So so glad you got to this one! I Wish would be a great next one (that bass!) The entire songs in the key of life album is a treasure

This is what 1977 sounded like because it was on the radio constantly (in between playings of Hotel California).

Stevie's greatest non James Jamerson bass line can be found on "I Wish". A bucket list song.

The whole album is superb. I think the best song on the album is As. Stevie at his best.

"There's Basie (Count Basie), Miller (Glenn Miller), Satchmo (Louis Armstrong), and the king of all, Sir Duke (Duke Ellington) ...And with a voice like Ella's (Ella Fitzgerald) ringing out there's no way the band could lose... EDIT: As others have pointed out it is probably Glenn Miller which is what I always thought but then read an article saying it was Sodorisa and assumed I had got it wrong! 🙈

"IF YOU REALLY LOVE ME"!!! My absolute favorite of Stevie's!!! It's an 'S', I promise you!!

I remember this being released and I am still not tired of hearing it.

I remember when "Songs in the Key of Life" came out, it was a magical time for all of us kids! "Frampton Comes Alive" and Earth Wind & Fire's "Gratitude" also dominated the airwaves that year.

The electric guitar on this song was played by Michael Sembello, of "Maniac" (from the Flashdance soundtrack) fame - a number one hit from 1983.

Everyone overlooks or just forgets his most unbeatable, unstoppable track on this--S-----album. It’s called -As-.

Alex interpreted this perfectly, it is songs in his lifetime channeled and produced in his own words. Masterpiece album

This entire album was on fire for several years. So much packed in this album.

" if you really love me " is such another Great tune by this wonderful musical gift to our world

When Paul Simon picked up his Album of the Year Grammy for "Still Crazy After All These Years" (1975), he ended his acceptance speech thus: "And most of all I'd like to thank Stevie Wonder, who didn't make an album this year." Wonder had won it twice in a row, for "Innervisions" (1973) and "Fulfillingness' First Finale" (1974), while "Talking Book" (1972) was arguably even better. The next year he would win it again for this album, "Songs in the Key of Life" (1976) ...

Love it when you react to Stevie Wonder. I've enjoyed listening to him for 50+ yrs. Now you guys get to enjoy him for 50 more yrs. He's the best.

Stevie was using session players, on this date, but he uses the best, there's a very live feel to this. It's a masterpiece.

I love your reactions because it makes me hear the music of my youth (which I totally took for granted) with fresh ears. So thank you, A squared, for giving me a whole new respect for Stevie Wonder….I am now going to add Sir Duke to my “Random Faves” playlist!!

“For Once In My Life” has a sick harmonica solo. “My Cherie Amour”, “Uptight (Everything’s Alright)”, “I Just Called To Say I Love You” are also great.

My Dad (1905-1987) was a super fan of Duke Ellington, Ella Fitzgerald, Benny Goodman...In 1986 when when he almost recovered from a bad stroke, one of his nurses, Marilyn, Rest in piece, both of you. She was black, full of humor, joy, and the first person to reinject humor and normalcy back into my Dad and Mom's home when he came home from the hospital. She nicknamed him appropriately "Sir Frank,"and I regaled her with background on his music enthusiasm and how at 76 he could still clobber 26 year old me at tennis. I miss them both and my Mom so much, but this song transports me to great memories if growing up!❤

From the same double album: "Ngiguela-Es Una Historia- I am Singing", "Summer soft", "Knocks Me Off My Feet", "Ordinary Pain". Other Stevie songs: "They Say Heaven Is 10 Zillion Light Years Away", "Tuesday's Heartbreak", "You Are The Sunshine Of My Life".

You’ve gotta hit Overjoyed. Such a beautiful ballad from him

In the mi-70s, Stevie was on fire! Won every award he was eligible for! "Sir Duke" is my absolute favorite but he had SO many great ones. My next fave is probably “Don't You Worry 'bout A Thing. ”

When you guys hit the essential meaning, like with this song, it's really a beautiful thing.

Alex: another spot on explanation of the lyrics! I told you guys this would be an S tier song!

Stevie mentions "Ella" (Fitzgerald) in this song. You should DEFINITELY check out some Duke & Ella songs -sooooo good!

Another killer hit from the "Songs in the Key of Life". Lots of different genres on that album, showing how much Stevie had grown over the decades.

Man..this brings back memories. Grade 6 “Graduation” dance in the cafeteria. I rocked a satin shirt with big collars and a painted beach scene paired with baby blue rayon pants. First time I danced with a girl. Always loved this song.

This was the ultimate for me. I was in high school when it came out. I played trumpet and you didn't hear horns in many songs at that time. Just say that this guy was my hero putting this song out in the 70s!

Stevie was at the top of his game when this album came out. His body of work Will stand the test of time. 🎹🎶👍

"There's Basie, Miller, Satch-Mo and the king of all Sir Duke. And with a voice like Ella's ringing out, there's no way the band could louse" Count Basie, Glen Miller, Louis Armstrong, Duke Ellington, Ella Fitzgerald

At the end, it sounds like he says "There's a cow in the road" and as kids, that's what we thought he said. We had to drive a narrow road through the pines to reach the highway, and sometimes there would be cows in the road and we'd all be up in the front seat of the pickup and this song would be on the radio playing. 45+ years ago but great memories

One of the greatest albums of the 70's & still to this day. He's talking about the big bands of the 30-40's. Count Basey, Louie Armstrong, Duke Ellington & the voice of Ella Fitzgerald. Also big band leader Miller.

If you wan't to hear what Stevie can do for other artists, try Chaka Khan - I Feel for You The Eurythmics - There must be an Angel

As a child the boy next door put this on a mix Eight-track for my older sister, and I wore the tape out. Decades later, I saw him live at the Songs in the Key of Life Tour. Surrounded by keyboards, he performed effortlessly for hours. Every note, every rhythm, every word ... Perfection. ❤️ #goat

This might be the first time since "That Lady" by the Isley Brothers that I thought the chair was having trouble holding Alex down.

When I saw him in concert, he was led to a different instrument on the stage for many of the songs. He was opening for the Rolling Stones in the early 70's, and they were great, but Stevie Wonder is a hard act to follow.

My 10-yo younger sister used to play this 45 over and over again and surprisingly, I never got sick of it. I just hadn’t heard a song like that in my eleven years.

When you say “S” tier, the “S” stands for Stevie. Great reaction!

I had the honor of seeing Stevie Wonder in concert…twice! During the second concert, he sang played the entire Songs In The Key of Life album. Special night.

This whole album is amazing. I like Creepin.

July 17/1972 Montreal Forum in Montreal, Canada. Headline act is the Rolling Stones and the opening act is STEVIE WONDER. I was sitting directly facing the stage. Everyone was expecting "Little Stevie Wonder" and his early hits. He opens with Superstition !!!! Literally blows the roof off the Arena. Loudest ovation for an opening act I have ever experienced, he was simply phenomenal. The Stones were of course fantastic and in 1972 probably at their peak (my opinion) but I will never forget Stevie Wonder opening that concert and I have seen dozens of opening acts, nobody has come close to Stevie that night. And yes this song is dedicated to Duke Ellington. I am 68 years old and have seen at least 60 headline act concerts, maybe more , so I am thrilled to see young people being exposed to the musical geniuses of the 1960's and 1970's and 1980's . I don't think we will ever see such live musical acts again. My generation was given a once in a lifetime musical experience. You guys are great and your reactions are priceless.

This got absolutely relentless radio play when it was released, but nobody I know got tired of hearing it.

"I Was Made To Love Her" - In 1967 Stevie Wonder was around 17 years old, and it's absolute quality.

such a happy uplifting tune, the lyrics are very important. I have them painted on the side of my art caravan with Stevie's image. I DJ with this on vinyl a LOT. Also "I Wish" another great Stevie tune.

He plays just about everything, and he's blind. Stevie is a legendary talent. His music and name will live for eons. Have a great day!

Next Stevie song to listen to MUST be Master Blaster

YO! To hear a young cat clock the magic and meaning of this track so well, 1st listen was dope. Good job fellas. And definitely kudos for calling out Stevie as an all time master musician.

“Songs in the Key of Life” would be a great album to review!

You like this tune - you GOTTA check out "I Wish" by Stevie. I actually like "I Wish" a bit more then "Sir Duke" but both are phenomenal.

Everything about Stevie’s music is awesome. He is arguably the best singer and the best harmonica player of his generation and for many more to come.

Alex you are correct. This is Stevie homage to great artists and music who preceded him.

You guys should try to "I wish" the sound is incredible, escpecially on headsets.

There is SO much good stuff on that album - Sir Duke is just the tip of the iceberg

While I was a working musician (many decades ago), my band and I practiced relentlessly so that when "the groove" lit up a room we would not kill it with a mistake. That's one of the things this fabulous number is about. Every musician knows the moment when "the groove" lights up a room, you instantly feel it. The groove is outside any one musician, it's a presence in the room. Once there, it is fragile and easily lost. When a tight well-rehearsed ensemble feels the groove in the room, they can build it to a crescendo that lifts everybody in the room. This is one of only a handful of recordings that captures that.

Not sure why your subscribership isn’t higher, but it will be. This was another great review. You’re a couple of musically serious-minded young men, open to music that isn’t from your generation, and you are among the few leading what amounts to resurgence of interest in music of the youth of other generations. Good discussion. Thank you.

this whole album, songs in the key of life, is worth a full album reaction... one of the best ever.

👍😎 Saw Stevie mid 80’s. Came out, sat at piano and said “I’m not starting until I see everyone sitting down”.

Another great Stevie Wonder tune to check out: “Don’t You Worry ‘Bout a Thing”

"As" from this album is INCREDIBLE. A funky groove that'll have you up dancing. Trust me.

Such a great song!!! Try Donnie Iris “Ah! Leah!”🤘🔥

Stevie Wonder deserves all the flowers. He's been known as a musical genius since he first arrived at Motown as "Little Stevie" with a harmonica.

I feel like it's hard to listen to Stevie Wonder and not get the chills! Stevie Wonder definitely was ahead of his time back then and he knew how to get people's attention not only with the music but with his amazing vocals and he's one of these artists that if you put a song of his on and close your eyes it's like you're sitting right there in front of him!

Stevie has been around for a long time. He started as "Little" Stevie Wonder and was signed by Motown at 11! This album, "Talking Book" and "Innervisions" are incredible!

The 'Songs in the key of life' album by Stevie Wonder is a classic and full of great songs. You should probably do an entire album side or maybe even the whole double album.

There will never be another Stevie Wonder. Musical genius!🎤🎙🎸🥁🎶

This song bended my little mind when I was a kid and I went out and bought The Secret Life of Plants, a later album, which still bends my little mind. I first noticed Stevie Wonder when Living for the City came out (I was 7 years old), but my parents wouldn't buy me the album which I wanted desperately. All-time genius.