Stevie Wonder releases four-song EP for album’s 50th anniversary

Stevie Wonder released a four-song EP titled Songs in the Key of Life on September 28, marking the 50th anniversary of his 1976 album with recordings he says were made during its sessions but left off the original release. The tracks are “It’s Easier,” “My Life Story of Love,” “I Can See the Sun in Late December” and “I’m Into Livin.” Wonder said the songs reflected what he was feeling and discovering while making the album, adding that they now get to become part of listeners’ lives. The recordings’ connection to the album sessions is described in Wonder’s statement and release reports. Wonder wrote and produced all four songs. Susaye Greene is credited as a co-writer of “My Life Story of Love.” The recordings were mixed for release by John Fischbach and Gary O’Adante, identified in the reports as original recording and mixing engineers on the album. Musicians named in accounts of the tracks include Greg Phillinganes, Michael Sembello and bassist Nathan Watts. “I’m Into Livin” also features backing vocals by Shirley Brewer, Thelma Houston and Deniece Williams. The new material spans several styles associated with Wonder’s 1970s recordings.