Studio Album · No. 1
The Jazz Soul of Little Stevie Songwriting Credits by Stevie Wonder
Produced by Clarence Paul, Berry Gordy
Holds writing credit on 2 of 9 tracks
Authorship Breakdown 2 / 9 documented
Scored across the 9 tracks with documented writers, by whether Stevie Wonder carries a lyricist or composer credit.
Share of the 9 tracks where a band member is credited, by role.
By the Numbers
The Jazz Soul of Little Stevie is the entirely instrumental debut released when Stevie Wonder was 12 years old, billed as Little Stevie Wonder on Tamla. Despite the prodigy framing, almost none of the album is his own composition; the writing and production were handled by his Motown mentors Clarence Paul and Henry "Hank" Cosby, with "Soul Bongo" co-written by Marvin Gaye and "Bam" written by Berry Gordy Jr. Wonder co-wrote only two pieces, "Wondering" and "Session Number 112" (credited under his birth surname Judkins), and his contribution is as a performer on harmonica, keyboards, drums, and bongos. It is the only Stevie Wonder studio album on which he does not sing.
The Jazz Soul of Little Stevie is the debut studio album by Stevie Wonder, released in 1962 on Tamla Records when he was just 12 years old. The album is an entirely instrumental showcase, arranged by Clarence Paul and Berry Gordy to highlight the young prodigy's extraordinary ear for melody and rhythm. None of the compositions were written by Wonder himself, this was Motown's production machine demonstrating a remarkable child talent rather than an artist in full creative control. The album captures Stevie's astonishing musical instincts on harmonica and keyboard in a jazz context that few 12-year-olds could inhabit. It set the stage for a career that would eventually see him take complete authorship of his work, though that moment was still a decade away.
Track Listing & Credits 9 tracks
| # | Title | Lyricist(s) | Composer(s) | Producer(s) | Performers |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
Fingertips
|
Henry CosbyClarence Paul | Henry CosbyClarence Paul | Clarence PaulBerry Gordy | Stevie Wonder (Harmonica, Keyboards) |
| 2 |
The Square
|
Henry CosbyClarence Paul | Henry CosbyClarence Paul | Clarence PaulBerry Gordy | Stevie Wonder (Harmonica, Keyboards) |
| 3 |
Soul Bongo
|
Clarence PaulMarvin Gaye | Clarence PaulMarvin Gaye | Clarence PaulBerry Gordy | Stevie Wonder (Harmonica, Keyboards) |
| 4 |
Manhattan at Six
|
Clarence PaulHenry Cosby | Clarence PaulHenry Cosby | Clarence PaulBerry Gordy | Stevie Wonder (Harmonica, Keyboards) |
| 5 |
Paulsby
|
Clarence PaulHenry Cosby | Clarence PaulHenry Cosby | Clarence PaulBerry Gordy | Stevie Wonder (Harmonica, Keyboards) |
| 6 |
Some Other Time
|
Henry CosbyClarence Paul | Henry CosbyClarence Paul | Clarence PaulBerry Gordy | Stevie Wonder (Harmonica, Keyboards) |
| 7 |
Wondering
|
Stevie WonderClarence Paul | Stevie WonderClarence Paul | Clarence PaulBerry Gordy | Stevie Wonder (Harmonica, Keyboards) |
| 8 |
Session Number 112
|
Stevie WonderClarence Paul | Stevie WonderClarence Paul | Clarence PaulBerry Gordy | Stevie Wonder (Harmonica, Keyboards) |
| 9 |
Bam
|
Berry Gordy Jr. | Berry Gordy Jr. | Clarence PaulBerry Gordy | Stevie Wonder (Harmonica, Keyboards) |