Published: September 29, 2026 · 12:04 AM EDT
The newly issued four-song EP was personally curated by Wonder and mixed by original album engineers John Fischbach and Gary O Adante
Stevie Wonder has marked the 50th anniversary of Songs in the Key of Life by releasing four previously unreleased recordings from the landmark album’s original sessions. The four-song Songs in the Key of Life EP arrived September 28, exactly 50 years after the original album was released in 1976.
The EP includes “It’s Easier,” “My Life Story of Love,” “I Can See the Sun In Late December” and “I’m Into Livin’.” Wonder personally selected the recordings, which were recently mixed by original Songs in the Key of Life recording and mixing engineers John Fischbach and Gary O Adante. Adante was credited as Gary Olazabal on the original album.
All four recordings were made during the Songs in the Key of Life sessions and were written and produced by Wonder. Former Supremes member Susaye Greene co-wrote the lyrics to “My Life Story of Love.” Musicians featured across the recordings include Gregory Phillinganes, Michael Sembello, Ben Bridges, Jim Horn, Raymond Pounds and longtime Wonder bassist Nathan Watts.
“I’m Into Livin’” also features background vocals from Shirley Brewer, Thelma Houston and Deniece Williams. The release provides another look at the volume of material created during the sessions for an album that ultimately became one of the defining works of Wonder’s career.
Read: Stevie Wonder Celebrates 50 Years of Songs in the Key of Life With Full-Album U.S. and European Tour
Originally released on September 28, 1976, Songs in the Key of Life earned Wonder his third Grammy Award for Album of the Year. The album later achieved Diamond certification in the United States and was selected for the Library of Congress National Recording Registry.
SONGS IN THE KEY OF LIFE EP — TRACKLIST
1. It’s Easier — 5:09
2. My Life Story of Love — 3:59
3. I Can See the Sun In Late December — 4:37
4. I’m Into Livin’ — 5:45
The anniversary celebration will continue with Wonder’s Songs in the Key of Life Performances – 50th Anniversary Tour, beginning October 13 in Birmingham, England. The U.S. leg opens November 19 at Madison Square Garden in New York and concludes December 19 at Intuit Dome in Los Angeles, with Wonder performing the original album in its entirety.
Listen to Stevie Wonder’s “Isn’t She Lovely,” from Songs in the Key of Life, on his Official Artist Channel below:
Written by Gino Alache – Music Journalist
IMAGE CREDIT: UMe.
