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
| # | Title | Lyricist(s) | Composer(s) | Producer(s) | Performers |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Fingertips | Henry Cosby, Clarence Paul | Henry Cosby, Clarence Paul | Clarence Paul, Berry Gordy |
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| 2 | The Square | Henry Cosby, Clarence Paul | Henry Cosby, Clarence Paul | Clarence Paul, Berry Gordy |
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| 3 | Soul Bongo | Clarence Paul, Marvin Gaye | Clarence Paul, Marvin Gaye | Clarence Paul, Berry Gordy |
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| 4 | Manhattan at Six | Clarence Paul, Henry Cosby | Clarence Paul, Henry Cosby | Clarence Paul, Berry Gordy |
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| 5 | Paulsby | Clarence Paul, Henry Cosby | Clarence Paul, Henry Cosby | Clarence Paul, Berry Gordy |
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| 6 | Some Other Time | Henry Cosby, Clarence Paul | Henry Cosby, Clarence Paul | Clarence Paul, Berry Gordy |
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| 7 | Wondering | Stevie Wonder, Clarence Paul | Stevie Wonder, Clarence Paul | Clarence Paul, Berry Gordy |
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| 8 | Session Number 112 | Stevie Wonder, Clarence Paul | Stevie Wonder, Clarence Paul | Clarence Paul, Berry Gordy |
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| 9 | Bam | Berry Gordy Jr. | Berry Gordy Jr. | Clarence Paul, Berry Gordy |
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Data note: Entirely instrumental album. All compositions written by Motown staff writers, Stevie Wonder had no songwriting credit on this debut. Credits to be verified against original liner notes.