Exclusive: Stevie Wonder Plans Two New Albums
The amazing Stevie Wonder, 61 years young and kicking it at the Apollo last night, told me he wants to do new albums. This may come as a bit of news to the folks from his record company. Last night, Universal Music’s Barry Weiss, Steve Bartels, and Motown Records general manager Pat Monaco all came to see Stevie, and got a few minutes with him backstage. It’s been six long years since Stevie’s last album, “A Time 2 Love,” and everyone–fans, Universal Motown–wants a new one. So what will it be? Stevie told me he has two projects in mind–a gospel album, and a remixed collection of his unreleased material. “I want to call it ‘I Remember Me,'” Wonder told me. Meanwhile, you might be interested to know what Stevie likes to talk about when he’s relaxing: peace, love, and understanding. On stage at the Apollo, he spoke eloquently about universal health care, accessibility for the disabled, as well as his nostalgia for the Apollo. “There’s no reason why this country can’t be the most accessible in the world. I do believe in health care.” He talked about a friend who he met in school, who’s blind and now can’t afford care. “Don’t get fooled by stupidity,” Stevie said.
Stevie Wonder has improved my life immeasurably. His work has made my good times better and my bad times bearable. I pray that I live to experience more new releases from him, as each one has become a tool of survival in my lifetime. The lyrics, rhythms, and melodies have enlightened and enriched the best in us all. It is one of my longest held prayers to be able to convey this to him personally. He should be aware of the effect his blessings have had on people – and he should be able to proceed and continue with that in mind. We need it sooner than it comes and we will use it wisely. Mr. Wonder deserves everything he can be paid to make music … and we deserve much more of it so we can use it to light our way. Mr. Wonder – if there is any small chance of you knowing I typed this, I would like to tell you that they have ALL been gospel albums … and we need more while we are alive. Thank you for sharing your blessings. It’s so meaningful and heartfelt … and it’s the best gift there is.
Respectfully, Cleve
koolzeum@aol.com
When it comes to music, Stevie’s everything to me. Master Blaster hit me like a meteorite back in 1980 when I was 12.
So thankful he performed in Holland in 2008 and 2010 at North Sea Jazz.
Looking forward for these new albums.
Roland Verboon, Gouda, Holland, Europe.
Both Malcolm Cecil and myself would be honored to work with Stevie on this project. We did it once and we can do it again. After all allot of that early material was recorded by us in the first place. What fun it could be.