Tamla Records
The label that launched a 12-year-old instrumental prodigy.
Tamla Records is the label that released Little Stevie Wonder's debut studio album, *The Jazz Soul of Little Stevie*, in September 1962. This imprint, part of the Motown family, provided the platform for the 12-year-old prodigy to showcase his talents as a composer and instrumentalist. On this album, Wonder does not sing at all, instead playing percussion, keyboards, and harmonica. The album includes the original studio version of "Fingertips," which would later become his first hit single as a live version.
- Key Artist
- Stevie Wonder
Lore & Background
Tamla Records was the home for Little Stevie Wonder's first recorded steps. His debut album, *The Jazz Soul of Little Stevie*, released in September 1962, was a showcase of his instrumental skills. Clarence Paul and Henry Cosby wrote and produced most of the album, though Wonder co-wrote two tunes. The album features Wonder on percussion, keyboards, and harmonica, with no vocals from him at all. Bruce Eder of Allmusic praised the album, calling it "an amazing musical document" that highlights Wonder's skills as a percussionist, chromatic harmonica player, keyboardist, and composer. Eder noted that "a lot of what's here is extremely sophisticated instrumental music for its time" and that the "jazz" reference in the title is not just marketing—"a lot of this is legitimate jazz."
In Their Own Story
In September 1962, Tamla Records released *The Jazz Soul of Little Stevie*, the debut studio album by a 12-year-old Stevie Wonder. The album was a pure instrumental affair—Wonder did not sing a single note. Instead, he played drums, bongos, chromatic harmonica, piano, and organ. Producers Clarence Paul and Henry Cosby wrote and produced most of the tracks, but Wonder co-wrote two of them. The original studio version of "Fingertips" appeared on this album; a live version would later become Wonder's first hit single. Bruce Eder of Allmusic described the album as "still an amazing musical document" and praised Wonder's "youthful, exuberant voice" (though he didn't sing here) and his prodigious skills across multiple instruments.
Reader's Guide
Tamla Records released *The Jazz Soul of Little Stevie* in September 1962, the debut album by Little Stevie Wonder. At 12 years old, Wonder did not sing on this album—he only played percussion (drums and bongos), keyboards (piano and organ), and chromatic harmonica. Clarence Paul and Henry Cosby wrote and produced most of the album, with Wonder co-writing two tunes. The album includes the original studio version of "Fingertips," which would later become his first hit single as a live recording. Bruce Eder of Allmusic praised the album as "an amazing musical document" that showcases Wonder's skills across all four instrumental categories, calling the music "extremely sophisticated instrumental music for its time" and affirming that "a lot of this is legitimate jazz."
Did You Know?
- Little Stevie Wonder was 12 years old when his debut album *The Jazz Soul of Little Stevie* was released in September 1962 on Tamla Records.
- Wonder does not sing at all on this album—he only plays percussion, keyboards, and harmonica.
- The original studio version of 'Fingertips' is included on this album; a live version later became his first hit single.
- Clarence Paul and Henry Cosby wrote and produced most of the album, though Wonder co-wrote two tunes.
- Bruce Eder of Allmusic called the album 'an amazing musical document' and said the jazz in the title is 'not a matter of optimistic convenience'—calling it 'legitimate jazz.'
Gallery
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the primary role of Tamla Records for Stevie Wonder?
Tamla functioned as a historic Motown imprint that served as the main platform for recording and distributing his music during his formative years. This label was instrumental in launching him from local talent into an international phenomenon by showcasing his prodigious gifts to the world.
During which era did Stevie Wonder record under Tamla?
His association with this imprint spans the late 1960s to the early 1970s, covering a crucial period of artistic growth and soulful experimentation. These years represent the foundation of his legacy before he potentially shifted focus within the Motown Record Corporation family.
Where were Tamla Records' operations based?
The label maintained its presence in both Detroit, Michigan, and Los Angeles, California, reflecting the industry's movement during that time. These locations served as the creative hubs where his early soul and R&B masterpieces were produced for global distribution.
What genre focus did Tamla have with Stevie Wonder?
The imprint concentrated on Soul, R&B, and Pop genres while housing one of the label's most significant key artists. This musical direction helped define his sound during his groundbreaking early career before he expanded into other styles later in life.
Is Tamla Records still an active label today?
Currently, it holds a historical status within the Motown family rather than functioning as an active imprint for new signings. It remains significant primarily for its role in launching Stevie Wonder and preserving his earliest soulful masterpieces for future generations.
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