Last round was the Beatles; this time it’s Stevie Wonder — the Grammys salutes keep pretty good company.
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CBS, The Recording Academy and AEG Erlich Ventures are teaming up to present “Steve Wonder: Songs in the Key of Life – An All-Star Grammy Salute” in February. The tribute follows the tradition started in 2014 with “The Beatles: The Night That Changed America – A Grammy Salute,” which ultimately garnered 20 million viewers and an Emmy Award for Outstanding Music Direction (Don Was).
The two-hour show will tape at L.A. Live’s Nokia Theatre on Feb. 10 — two days after the 57th annual Grammy Awards — and be broadcast on Feb. 16 on CBS. It will be executive produced by Ken Erlich under his AEH Erlich Ventures banner.
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“Steve Wonder: Songs in the Key of Life – An All-Star Grammy Salute” will feature some of the present-day’s top artists covering Wonder tunes, as well as other archival material. Additionally, presenters will help highlight the historical impact of Wonder’s songs on music and culture.
Wonder is quite deserving of the honor: The singer/songwriter has won 25 Grammys and is the only to have received Album of the Year honors in three out of four consecutive years (1973, 1974, 1976).
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“Stevie Wonder is a beloved icon whose golden songbook remains one of America’s and music’s greatest treasures,” said Neil Portnow, president/CEO of The Recording Academy. “A 25-time Grammy winner and Recording Academy Lifetime Achievement Award recipient, it’s only fitting that Music’s Biggest Night celebrates this legendary musical genius and pays tribute to his enduring music and legacy.”
“Some of my most memorable television experiences have been with my friend Stevie, both on the Grammys and off, and to be able to celebrate him in a way that only the Grammy stage allows is a treat that I’ve looked forward to for a long time,” added Executive Producer Ken Ehrlich of AEG Ehrlich Ventures. “He is truly deserving of the term that is often used about him — an American treasure — and the night of Feb. 10, when we tape this show, is going to be an amazing time.”
“Stevie Wonder epitomizes the very spirit of the Grammys. His music is as poignant as it is appealing and his songs have the ability to illustrate our world in every note,” said Jack Sussman, executive vice president, Specials, Music and Live Events, CBS Entertainment. “We are thrilled to pay tribute to this legendary man and musician. His influence is present in so much of today’s greatest music. This salute will give everyone he’s inspired a chance to show our esteem.”