The Unmistakable 'Voice' Of 'EIVETS REDNOW' [1968]

[Methuselah2]

http://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=eivets%20rednow&sm=3

[marv2]

I have an original copy of this album and have always enjoyed it. I remember Stevie's version of "Alfie" received a huge amount of airplay back in 1968-69. It's considered a classic now.

[Methuselah2]

I've read that ALFIE was moderately successful but that the album, commercIally speaking, wasn't. I 'wonder' if the name-play worked against it.

[marv2]

I've read that ALFIE was moderately successful but that the album, commercIally speaking, wasn't. I 'wonder' if the name-play worked against it.

Stevie's instrumental of "Alfie" was a huge regional radio hit! It was played so often that it is one of those recordings that I can readily count on to help me identify a time period in my life and those around me. I do not believe spelling his name backwards on the album had a negative effect. I can't remember now where he had gotten the idea from , but it was from another famous person that had done something similar.

[mysterysinger]

Perhaps he wanted to call himself The Wonder Who - just that Frankie Valli beat him to it.

[Methuselah2]

Good one, MS!

[grapevine]

...c. 1970 ...a young record collector ...new to Motown ...checks out a second-hand record shop ...ignores a batch of 20 or so albums by one 'Eivets Rednow' ...on an unknown 'Gordy' label ...move on 5 years ...the penny's dropped ...Stevie Wonder is mega ...the collector must have everything the great man has ever issued ...without the internet ...it took another 10 years to track down and purchase a pristine copy of the wonderful 'Eivets Rednow' ...and in later years ...also have it on CD ...on the MoJazz label...!

...have since seen reissue vinyl versions where it says 'How do you spell STEVIE WONDER backwards?' on the cover ...obviously to help others not repeat this collector's error..!

:)

[radionixon]

How often are there Stevie threads on SD? Not often enough, and Eivets Rednow never. And then yesterday I recorded a radio special [[http://mixcloud.com/discoveringmotown/discovering-motown-special-5-stevie-wonder-songbook/) on Stevie's songwriting for himself and others - including using a track from the Eivets Rednow LP as the intro theme!! - and suddenly there are 3 Stevie threads on the front page...!

Was there ever an explanation as to why the Eivets Rednow thing came about [[both the LP and the pseudonym)? A solo project outside what Stevie was doing in his "day job"?

[splanky]

From what I remember the LP recording was Berry Gordy's idea and the pseudonym came
from the company's marketing dept. The reasoning was floated that they didn't want the
release to distract the buying public from Stevie's recent work...

[RossHolloway]

It's a great album. I have both a vinyl copy and a cd. My favorite track off this album is More Than A Dream. I think this album really showcases Stevie as a musician, more than a singer- very similar to some of his very early recordings.

[robb_k]

It's a great album. I have both a vinyl copy and a cd. My favorite track off this album is More Than A Dream. I think this album really showcases Stevie as a musician, more than a singer- very similar to some of his very early recordings.
http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j56/Robb_K/Image1.jpg [[http://s77.photobucket.com/user/Robb_K/media/Image1.jpg.html)
Mine too! I bought the single for "More than a Dream", and bought the album, as well.

[robb_k]

Duplicate post [[https://imageshack.com/i/8dav5ey4j)

[Methuselah2]

Ross & Robb - I certainly couldn't disagree with your MORE THAN A DREAM choice, written by Henry Cosby & Eivets. Great tune.

[thomas96]

I remember years ago having this album and trying to learn Alfie on the chromatic harmonica. Oh man I never quite got it. My favorite part of this album is the medley at the end of one side, with Ask the Lonely. Stevie's playing on that is just superb.

[radionixon]

Well, that makes me happy - three shout outs for More Than A Dream, and guess which Eivets tune it was I used as a theme :-) Clearly we all have good taste.

[RossHolloway]

More Than A Dream- This song reminds me of he mix tape I made in high school and included this song. I think 67'-71 is my favorite SW period.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7t-bWb3GKgE&list=PL84ACFA822FE878C1&feature=share&ind ex=1