Another Star by Stevie Wonder

Album: Songs in the Key of Life (1976)

Charted: 29 32

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Songfacts®:

At about 3:09 in the song, George Benson comes in on lead guitar. Then, he takes over on the lead vocal scatting at about 6:37 for over a minute and half until the fade. >>
Suggestion credit:
Roy - Riverdale, NY
The closing track on Wonder's landmark double album Songs in the Key of Life, "Another Star" runs 8:28 and yearns with heartache. The song follows the 7:08 "As" on the album, where Stevie sings about endless devotion to his loved one. "Another Star" is a similar sentiment, but tinged with heartache, as it's clear that Stevie has lost his love and has no plans to get over her: "Love might be for you to find, but I will celebrate our love of yesterday."

The plaintive lyrics are accompanied by joyful music, with 10 different musicians joining Wonder on this track - quite a bit considering he played many parts himself. Stevie was one of the few artists to list his musicians on his albums (something he gleaned out of respect for the Motown players), so we know who played what on this song. The credits are:

Bobbi Humphrey – flute
George Benson – guitar and background vocals
Hank Redd – alto saxophone
Raymond Maldonado – trumpet
Trevor Laurence – tenor saxophone
Steve Madaio – trumpet
Nathan Alford, Jr. – percussion
Carmello Hungria Garcia – timbales
Stevie Wonder – lead vocal and background vocals, piano, drums
Nathan Watts – bass
Josie James – background vocals
That's Jazz flautist Bobbi Humphrey playing the flute at the end. She was named Best Female Instrumentalist by Billboard magazine in 1976.
Wonder played a bit of this song when he joined Daft Punk, Nile Rogers and Pharrell Williams for a performance of "Get Lucky" at the 2014 Grammy Awards.
This was used as the BBC's theme tune for its coverage of the 2014 World Cup in Brazil. The inclusion of the song in the BBC's coverage is said to be the first time that Wonder has allowed his music to be used in such a way.

Comments: 4

Willard Davis from Colorado, UsaLove this song even as compared to some of his more radio overplayed compositions. Lyrically complex in its verse, but irresistibly singable in its chorus. This song works as an instrumental and a track with vocals. See no mention of a delightful house version featuring Kathy Sledge, with her unique, raspy tone as featured in “We Are Family.” A classic track and first song I listen to when I dive into SITKOL.
Paul from Melbourne, AustraliaThis is an incredibly exciting, passionate song that makes you want to go crazy. I was definitely lucky to play it in a year 9 high school group of the whole class with a small horn section. And to be a musician improvising on this like Bobbi Humphrey with her thrilling, impassioned solo which makes brilliant use of blues, spiritual 9ths and other brilliant effects personal to her style. A lucky musician you are, the chord changes are awesome to play around and are great for melody, complexity and passion, a must of play-alongs or quickly form a band and play this!
Jibri from Muskegon, MiI just love how this song gives hope and inspiration that one will get through the heartache. I love the drive of the song. And yes, George Benson throughout his songs kept the mentorship of Stevie Wonder in mind.
John from Nashville, TnBesides George Benson, jazz flute player Bobbi Humphrey makes a guest appearance. Humphrey became the first female musician signed to the famous Blue Note jazz label.

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