What would you think if you saw these promo ads for a 20-year-old Stevie Wonder's new upcoming album in 1972?

[Oliverlogan263]

This album was released on March 3, 1972.

Stevie's Music of My Mind album in 1972 was a turning point for him, where he was finally able to fully express himself the way he wanted to.

Up until then, he had been kinda constrained by the Motown system, having to make music to their specifications. But after turning 21, he had this new freedom to make the kind of stuff he had in his head.

Music of My Mind was like this pivotal moment where Stevie was really able to come into his own as an artist. He was shedding the Motown mold and finding this incredibly innovative, synth-driven sound that would influence so much of his best work to come. It was the start of a whole new chapter for him.

If you saw these promotional materials for Stevie Wonder's upcoming "Music of My Mind" album back in '72, what would you be thinking and feeling?

[Lliam]

In 1961, 11 year old Stevie Wonder signed with Motown Records and was billed as Little Stevie Wonder. He dropped the "Little" in 1964.

I remember being aware of him from TV appearances.

In 1970, when I was 16 in 10th grade and had my own car, a new, hip friend asked if I wanted to go to go see Sly and the Family Stone in concert at the Los Angels Forum. I had never been to a concert but I had heard a couple of their songs on the radio. I was a bit reticent to drive through parts of L. A. and to a concert with a back band. I didn't know if a white kid would have any problems. But I agreed to go and I drove.

As it turned out, Stevie Wonder opened for Sly. He was freaking amazing. He played a electric keyboard and did some electronic stuff that I didn't know existed, including modulating his voice with the keyboard. He also played a melodica, a saxophone, and timbales. A super hot white babe in a slinky evening gown stood by him and he would take her arm to be led where he wanted to go.
He killed it. I was absolutely blown away. He was a far cry for the Little Stevie Wonder I had expected.

Sly was amazing, too.

And the audience was totally cool. I didn't get one bad vibe.

[exitseven]

I liked his next album "Life as I see it"/

[beefcakebradybatson]

I'd run out and buy it !!!