Stevie Wonder - Living for the City

Question 1

When was “Living for the City” released? On what album?

Answer 1

1973

“Innervisions”

Question 2

What genre is “Living for the City”?

Answer 2

Soul

Question 3

What are characteristics of soul music?

Answer 3

Gospel-influenced
Form was usually verse/chorus
Large rhythm sections - used horns, strings, piano and keys
Often diatonic
Used 9, 11 and 13th chords

Question 4

In which record label was “Living for the City” recorded?

Answer 4

Tamla Motown

Question 5

When was Motown records formed? By whom?

Answer 5

1959
Berry Gordy Junior

Question 6

What were other artists also in the Motown label?

Answer 6

The Supremes
The Jackson 5
Marvin Gaye

Question 7

What was unusual about Wonder’s contract with Motown Records?

Answer 7

Wonder had complete artistic control over his own music

Question 8

What is the lyrical content of “Living for the City”?

Answer 8

Tells the story of a young man who sets out from his country home to try and find work in the city, only to be falsely imprisoned

Question 9

What key is “Living for the City” in?

Answer 9

G major

Question 10

What time signature is “Living for the City” in?

Answer 10

Largely 4/4
6-bar section in 3/4, followed by one bar of 2/4

Question 11

What are 3 other albums by Stevie Wonder?

Answer 11

The 12 Year Old Genius
Talking Book
Songs in the Key of Life

Question 12

What are 3 other songs by Stevie Wonder?

Answer 12

Superstition
Master Blaster (Jammin’)
I Just Called To Say I Love You

Question 13

When did Stevie Wonder have his first hit single? What was the single?

Answer 13

At age 13, in 1963.
“Fingertips (Pt. 2)”