@levanabrzeni You replied to a comment that was FOUR MONTHS OLD and when you do that it shoots me an e-mail, then I have to figure out what you're talking about, and it's 11am in the morning. I didn't understand. Now I do. Thank you.
I actually saw this documentary in Santa Monice lonnng time ago (probably when it was released, limited, it was at the Fox or the Nuarte, the same places that would play movies like The Elephant Man, eraerhead, Nosferatu, Midnite showings of Rocky Horror Picture Show)...the music went exceptionally well with the documentary.
I have been looking for a copy of it ever since...the album as well as the documentary is well ahead of it's time.
Oh yeah, just a few titles from Raul - Suddenly, Expressions Of Love (Stevie on harmonica), All In Your Mind, Sittin' In The Middle, Keep On Hoping (with Jason Mraz)... Peeeace.......
Stevie's obviously been compensated for the blindness with innervision (third eye vision), ESP I'm sure, and a whole lot more... For those who don't know, check out a similar being he's inspired - Raul Midon (they've worked together). Love, peace and blessings to all of mankind, long live good music.......
Thanks Random for posting this very very rare footage from the secret life of plants ......I have had this concept album for 20 years, but this is the first time I have seen any of the film footage.
Excellent. Love this song. Stevie is such a wonderful songwriter (only he could write a soundtrack that nobody has seen the film for and have it become a hit and a legend!)
He was honored tonight at the White House, so I thought of my fave album (this one) and what a tribute it was, because it was inspired my one of the most amazing books I have ever read, by the same title (1972). I've always wondered what happened to this film - thank you so much for posting it.
About all the concpet album, well that wasn´t a concept album, but a soundtruck.
So this time the themes were a instrument of the script of the documentary.
Anyway, come on stop to be a child always talking ab out loose us, and us. Always "our" love problmes etc.there is much more important ways of love. Plants giva us everyday air to breath, so at least one album in all the history of the humans is not so much.
Stevie Wonder, who are you and what you made with the real one 20 years ago?
I think this is one of Stevie's best albums. With our environment changing so rapidly and the increasing extinction of species, this album is more relevant today than ever before. Thank you Stevie for your contributions to the betterment of the human spirit.
This was truly an album that was shunned when it was released in 1979 as long winded and insignificant ...Truly one of the greatest works that he ever made ... Tribute to trees and plants and the life cycle of such ...Just that the air we breathe come from the trees and that is something that noone knows and / or takes for granted
The book of the same title is very much worth reading -- ultimately it's the strongest possible statement of universal activity /life, even ultimately to inert metal. Possibly more amazing than this, Stevie's best song . . .
really good melody. the song would have been a lot better if the lyrics and been a love song, lost love or about something other than "PLANTS?" I do love concept albums but the suject matter here just doesnt do it for me. marvin gaye came out with a concept album around the same time called "here my dear" and it is the best album ive ever heard.
Stevie is great, but The Secret Life of Plants is a book written about scientific research by people like Cleve Baxter and others (see psychobotanyDOTcom) which shows that PLANTS REACT TO OTHER PLANTS AND TO HUMAN EMOTIONS. But you'd never guess any such roots by the way so many disinformation zombies steal the title to OBSCURE THE WHOLE POINT to dribble over an incidental song which DOESN't bear that title. I'm sure Stevie wouldn't thank you for it
Ok, sorry, maybe this is from side 4, there is a track called "The Secret Life of Plants", but the point still stands that its about AMAZING revelations about plants, and THAT is what Stevie was trying to publicize and THAT's what's lost if people just take the music and forget the inspiration.
there s no comparison, Al Gore is not saying the truth, check out : Global warming swindle, and make some further research online about the real causes of global warming.
I was turning 15 when this album was announced. Songs In the Key Of Life was almost three years old and still burning up the radio. The anticipation was so thick that they even tried to play songs from it on the radio to whet your desire to buy it. People were disappointed in it because they were used to pop and burgers when he tried to introduce us to fine wine and prime steak. I listen til I liked it. It is the best album he ever did. He didn't play all the instruments, though he could have.
the. most. beautiful. video. EVER!!! the secret life of plants, the second the first song, 'earth's creation' comes on, tears well up in my eyes. this is soul music, in the most basic sense. this is up there with any classic piece of art! this fills my heart with such joy. i cannot say enough about this. but, i actually do know someone who saw this when it was originally released, on the screen,i was 3.
stevie is playing the n.o. jazzfest this year! i will walk there if i have to!!!
Although this album didn't gain mainstream popularity, I think it was one of Stevie's most courageous musical endeavors. I absolutely love it! The cinematography is genius as well...
The first album I dug up out of my mother's record collection when I was a kid. Lyrical to the point of breaking...not sure what people mean by it being trippy.
I agree it's less ear-candy and effective rythms than much of his other stuff, but this album feels so good as low-key, less blatant and more melody.
That said, Songs in the key of life was the second record I dug out of my parents' LPs when I was 8.
Look at Stevie walking by faith and not by sight...LOL. But i must say this at the peak of his career, which was "songs in the key of life", he went what everybody thought was "out there" with Secret Life of Plants. Prince also did that too. After Purple Rain, was the awsome "Around the World in a Day". People said that that album was a waste of time and trippy.
lol...comparing AROUND THE WORLD IN A DAY to this....pretty naiive. Tambourine anybody? The ladder is something...but if there's a prince comparison it'd be THE RAINBOW CHILDREN...infused as it is with JAMES BROWN, MILES DAVIS (bitches brew), CARLOS SANTANA (3rd album) and just seminal prince artistry...lyrics, intent, perception. thats the one that ought to be mentioned. BTW i've read that STEVE VAI said the same about AROUND THE WORLD IN A DAY...so yep...maybe not.
Stevie Wonder's Journey Through The Secret Life Of Plants is one of the best albums ever recorded. I love Stevie so much. I'm listening the album right now on my stereo. Unbelievable how a so terrific record was released almost 30 years ago. God Bless You, Stevie Wonder.
This is incredible. Anyone want to put on all black and go with me to Paramount, break into the vault and get the negatives out so the rest of the world can see this? I never knew it existed until now...
Jesteś słaby w pokerze? Nie jesteś jedyny, ale na Pokerocean com możesz zarobić szybkie pieniądze, ponieważ jest tam wiele początkujących miejących za dużo pieniędzy! Zarejestrowałem się wczoraj za darmo z Bonuscodem POTSIZE i już teraz prowadzę z 1.250 dolarami dodatkowo do tych 210$, które otrzymałem jako bonus.
I'm so happy to see this released. I developed the Melodian sampling synth that Stevie used to incorporate sounds from nature into this film. It was an experience that shaped my life. - Harry Mendell
SIGH! I SAW THIS DOCUMENTARY WHEN IT CAME OUT and have been searching for it ever since. It was remarkable - and possibly disturbing to some as it showed the fantastic sensitivity of a 'control plant' during various lab experiments, hooked up with electrodes to an electrocardiograph/encephalograph thus recording responses to other plants, vegetables and even human beings. There were also interspersed throughout, dance pieces to Stevie songs.
It was a magical experience to experience this documentary when it came out. Saw it around 1980. Apparently Stevie and the director/creator travelled for a year to gather all that was contained in the doc. Amazing. Yes, Paramount owns it and I hope that they release it to the public some day. A heart vs head experience. The audience was in awe at the end. I've never experienced anything like it in a theater since. Thank you for sharing it.
Nice! Thanks for this. I had seen the last few seconds of this clip on PBS in the early 80s. I was upset I may have missed the entire film. Maybe it was just a clip used in a TV show. Or maybe it was just a promotional music video from Motown Records shown between PBS shows.
Your description above says the film was "unreleased." But I remember when it was released in theaters. Unfortunately its release was limited to artsy theaters, and I have yet to see it. It was distributed by Paramount.
Beautiful album he made for his children to explain plant life to.Only thing I liked of Stevie Wonder being myself strictly jazz and blues.with some old rock Doors Led etc thrown in.
Damn... That stabbed straight through me like a dagger... I'm crying my eyes out!? I can't believe they haven' t used this for a massive ad campaign on tv all over the world! Stevie really isn't human. He's a true music God!
He is truly a once-in-a-lifetime artist and will be celebrated forever like all the greats..Beethoven, Mozart, Ellington....Wonder what happened to that movie, though..surely it's worth a viewing, if only to see/hear all the other great tracks on that album like Race Babbling, A Stars a Seed (Kese Ye Lolo De Ye)...someone is sitting on some treasure in some musty vault, somewhere....GIVE IT UP!!!!
this sent a chill down my spine - prob the most revealing footage of stevie i,ve ever seen.the album of the film was released and it has some beautiful music on it[as well as some crap !]
THIS IS INCREDIBLE!!! I've never ever seen this video (in being very young at the time this album was released). This album is very pleasant, spiritual, deep & sincere. I enjoy this album(Secret Life Of Plants) even to this very day. Although this upload is not musically felt as it should be, I still accept this upload with gratitude. THANKS
Absolutely breathtaking. I have always loved Stevie's work. What impresses me the most about this is he has devoted his music to something he has never seen. Look how he walks among the trees and sunflowers! He speaks about them as if he has studied them and looked them over a million times. Absolutely beautiful! Thank God for this man and his music.
What a beautifull comment, True de man is Blind, but he has an extra sensitive part, of Listening/Feeling/ Life, dat a lot of people take 4 granted. Lead more by example by words friend.
I loved this when it came out. For me, it's Stevie being his true self - experimenting and pushing the boundaries. It's true - the public at large were'nt and aren't ready for this depth of creativity. I love him and he has been one of the greatest influences in my life.
In those days,1979, the film company could and often did, write off the cost of development money @ 4 to 1. They spent 8 million on "Secret Life of Plants" and allowed it to fail. Then wrote off 32 million as a loss on their taxes. Today they can only write off 2 to 1.
The law changed in 1980, so this was the last chance for the film co. to use the 4 to 1 rule.
I could agree more with you Sainter1. I think this was his true masterpiece. Commercially the album flopped cuz every one expected it to be somewhat like songs in the key of life. But again it was a completely new concept again. This is what true creativeness means.
Thanx for posting this...its veryu rare and very special only to those who are open to it...it made my day
The video has a very spiritual element about it. Even stevie discarding his glasses somehow adds to it. I loved this album when it was first released and never understood why it took so much criticism.
WOW! There's a sense of melancholy in this film and song. You're right cliffkast, there is a sense of vulnerableness. This is also the first time I saw Stevie without his shades. There is actually a documentary on The Secret Life of Plants album that clears up the confusion many had at the time of the album's release, but unfortunately you can only find it at the Library of Congress.
Actually, this film WAS released, believe it or not. It flopped big time, IIRC, but it did get out. I grew up in Metro Detroit and I distinctly remember it showing at the now-long-defunct La Parisian Theatre on Ford Rd in Garden City. But, this is but one example of a lost film that, good or bad, deserves some kind of re-release on DVD.
My local Cheapo records store has at least half a dozen copies of this record in stock. You can pick it up for about five bucks. Might be worth the effort, since it's now regarded as a misunderstood classic. Folks didn't really understand it at the time, coming after the peak of Stevie's glory years. But this is a really good tune.
HOLY CRAP!! i spent nearly two years just trying to track down this album on CD (like "where i'm coming from" which i only found on LP- nice hanging Mobile cover!) After doing some research i NEVER imagined i would get to see any of it, heard it was entirely scrapped...i can't even find the book at used bookstores. THANK YOU SOOO MUCH for the post. AWESOME!
Floyd had 'Ummagumma', Yes had 'Tales From Topographic Oceans', Fleetwood Mac had 'Tusk', and this guy had 'Secret Life of Plants'. A very special experimental album in his resume. Stevie could have followed up 'Key of Life' with yet another commercial-friendly album, but he had the GUTS to do otherwise. This, in a nutshell, is why this era in his career ('Music on My Mind' thru 'Plants') was indeed his 'golden' era.
Man, I have waited 27 years for this film just to see this...thank you so much for this post...I can't believe it. Stevie at 29 and doing it sans the shades. Thank you thank you thank you.
Wowsers, where did you find this? Was this actually going to be in the movie or was it planned as the video for the single release? Very interesting indeed.
This excerpt was actually the last scene of the film itself. It's the only portion of the movie that Stevie appears in, although his songs are featured throughout. I do not think it was planned to be used as a promotional music video. It just kind of appears that way.
I have always Loved Stevie Wonder's creativity and immence talent. He is truly a consumate performer. and an Inspiration to this blind person
mgmckay1963 7 months ago
Beautiful song.
clarax23 9 months ago
In my mind's eye, I can imagine Jesus looking like a young Stevie Wonder.
IrisMG 10 months ago
@IrisMG
You can even watch it in this clip : )
levanabrzeni 5 months ago
@levanabrzeni Good morning, got your e-mail. I don't understand?
IrisMG 5 months ago
@IrisMG
Good morning. What do you can't understand? I just replyed your post. I meant that Stevie really looks like Jesus in this clip
levanabrzeni 5 months ago
@levanabrzeni You replied to a comment that was FOUR MONTHS OLD and when you do that it shoots me an e-mail, then I have to figure out what you're talking about, and it's 11am in the morning. I didn't understand. Now I do. Thank you.
IrisMG 5 months ago
@IrisMG
OK. Sorry for bothering. I didn't mean ...
levanabrzeni 5 months ago
The best album of Stevie Wonder, a lot of great songs.
metacosmos 1 year ago
This has been flagged as spam show
excellent post. there was something about this album...
mond01 1 year ago
Happy Birthday Stevie!
motowninvestor 1 year ago
this movie should be released, i have had the soundtrack for years
jody808 1 year ago
he sees more than all of us ever could.
29psalm 2 years ago 9
What a gift I hope the industrial nations become more consciousness and awake so that our planet won't look like the moon in a couple of millenia
DjediPanda 2 years ago
it was so released... remember it well.
whyobay 2 years ago 2
@whyobay the album was i saw it in a store called half priced books and records
ciaridah 1 year ago
You should see how he loves nature and the environment, he sees without eyes and we are actually blind inspite of having eyes.
jalexrosh 2 years ago 20
i love him so much.
eutuxiaMJ 2 years ago
I actually saw this documentary in Santa Monice lonnng time ago (probably when it was released, limited, it was at the Fox or the Nuarte, the same places that would play movies like The Elephant Man, eraerhead, Nosferatu, Midnite showings of Rocky Horror Picture Show)...the music went exceptionally well with the documentary.
I have been looking for a copy of it ever since...the album as well as the documentary is well ahead of it's time.
It will blow your mind!
alstarx 2 years ago 2
million stars rating to Stevie !
thousands of masterpieces created !
O N E & O N L Y WONDER !
sam0xin 2 years ago 4
Why this film never released ? This album keeps me speechless since 1979 . . . ! ! ! Double disc MASTERPIECE !
sam0xin 2 years ago 4
I'm always too mesmerized to comment on this video, but, it's brilliant.
motowninvestor 2 years ago 2
Wow... he doesn't even need them...human eyes
lsimone28 2 years ago 3
terrible quality sound... awesome song & album
leeperryismerry 2 years ago
Oh yeah, just a few titles from Raul - Suddenly, Expressions Of Love (Stevie on harmonica), All In Your Mind, Sittin' In The Middle, Keep On Hoping (with Jason Mraz)... Peeeace.......
Lutah79 2 years ago
Stevie's obviously been compensated for the blindness with innervision (third eye vision), ESP I'm sure, and a whole lot more... For those who don't know, check out a similar being he's inspired - Raul Midon (they've worked together). Love, peace and blessings to all of mankind, long live good music.......
Lutah79 2 years ago 3
Thanks Random for posting this very very rare footage from the secret life of plants ......I have had this concept album for 20 years, but this is the first time I have seen any of the film footage.
Yokandyman 2 years ago
Beautiful! words can't describe how amazing his music is.
PrincessZelda0708 2 years ago 2
Pure brilliant genius!
White Light.
Peace - Stevie...
naneanahoa 2 years ago
wow
ComradeCrusty 2 years ago 2
I'm an atheist, but Stevie is a God, there's no doubt about it.
Bryndles79 2 years ago 2
That has to be the most hilarious thing I've ever seen. "I'm an atheist, but Stevie is a God" Great stuff.
ShortCrazy1 2 years ago
This man is blind but he opened my eyes to things i was too blind to see every day. May peace always be with him!!!
hananiah81 2 years ago 5
Stevie Wonder: The Movie!
motowninvestor 2 years ago
HAPPY STEVIE DAY, EVERYBODY!!!
lumbia33 2 years ago
Excellent. Love this song. Stevie is such a wonderful songwriter (only he could write a soundtrack that nobody has seen the film for and have it become a hit and a legend!)
toplessdrummerboy 2 years ago 4
genialll compadre uffff
paisajeporcelana 2 years ago
i love this song..i love him,he is magic!
eutuxiaMJ 2 years ago
this album changed my life..
Ramaz1969 2 years ago 7
I forgot why they didn't release the documentary. I remember the album very well.
hilltopboots 2 years ago 3
I don't remember either, but atleast now I can say I saw it...finally! Thank You.
Memyai 2 years ago 2
Stevie... no wonda... G.O.A.T foe su'
cookincunt 3 years ago 2
He was honored tonight at the White House, so I thought of my fave album (this one) and what a tribute it was, because it was inspired my one of the most amazing books I have ever read, by the same title (1972). I've always wondered what happened to this film - thank you so much for posting it.
2shiny 3 years ago 3
scenery is the bomb..love this song..love this man...love this album
shydmples 3 years ago
This is a truly beautiful album.
jennvixvids 3 years ago 7
About all the concpet album, well that wasn´t a concept album, but a soundtruck.
So this time the themes were a instrument of the script of the documentary.
Anyway, come on stop to be a child always talking ab out loose us, and us. Always "our" love problmes etc.there is much more important ways of love. Plants giva us everyday air to breath, so at least one album in all the history of the humans is not so much.
Stevie Wonder, who are you and what you made with the real one 20 years ago?
dhar75 3 years ago 8
I think this is one of Stevie's best albums. With our environment changing so rapidly and the increasing extinction of species, this album is more relevant today than ever before. Thank you Stevie for your contributions to the betterment of the human spirit.
shahid0566 3 years ago 15
have you thanked a green plant today?
Deedubshort 3 years ago
This was truly an album that was shunned when it was released in 1979 as long winded and insignificant ...Truly one of the greatest works that he ever made ... Tribute to trees and plants and the life cycle of such ...Just that the air we breathe come from the trees and that is something that noone knows and / or takes for granted
SoulCat59 3 years ago 3
Why did the let Stevie get lost in the jungle? That's not right!
Jokes aside, this remains one of my favorite Stevie Wonder albums.
atclavon 3 years ago
Completly taken aback by this video. Takes me away from 'the concrete jungle'
Purelove30 3 years ago
The book of the same title is very much worth reading -- ultimately it's the strongest possible statement of universal activity /life, even ultimately to inert metal. Possibly more amazing than this, Stevie's best song . . .
15oldmen 3 years ago
smoke pot and you will understand lol
truthspeaker969 3 years ago
Amen to that Truthspeaker. Smoke some weed and you will understand ;-)
Purelove30 3 years ago
really good melody. the song would have been a lot better if the lyrics and been a love song, lost love or about something other than "PLANTS?" I do love concept albums but the suject matter here just doesnt do it for me. marvin gaye came out with a concept album around the same time called "here my dear" and it is the best album ive ever heard.
bgshort99 3 years ago
Stevie is great, but The Secret Life of Plants is a book written about scientific research by people like Cleve Baxter and others (see psychobotanyDOTcom) which shows that PLANTS REACT TO OTHER PLANTS AND TO HUMAN EMOTIONS. But you'd never guess any such roots by the way so many disinformation zombies steal the title to OBSCURE THE WHOLE POINT to dribble over an incidental song which DOESN't bear that title. I'm sure Stevie wouldn't thank you for it
stupidtreehugger 3 years ago
The full documentary of the book, including this Stevie Wonder song and one other is on video.google. N.B. its very long-winded.
stupidtreehugger 3 years ago
Ok, sorry, maybe this is from side 4, there is a track called "The Secret Life of Plants", but the point still stands that its about AMAZING revelations about plants, and THAT is what Stevie was trying to publicize and THAT's what's lost if people just take the music and forget the inspiration.
stupidtreehugger 3 years ago
I would love to watch this in 3-D, Imax with the sound blaring... Genius!
ADoubleEntendre 3 years ago
I pla this song ALL the time.... Words can't even express how gorgeous this song is :-)
poodie4u 3 years ago
simply beautiful
atrienneyates78 3 years ago
HE's the Al Gore of the late 70's,Heck why, worry about a seed that could feed. He has a wild herb garden going on.
spottedliver 3 years ago
there s no comparison, Al Gore is not saying the truth, check out : Global warming swindle, and make some further research online about the real causes of global warming.
brodamo 3 years ago
always loved this album, never seen this promo clip, thanks
jody808 3 years ago
What a genius, he's songs such as theis do WONDERs to the hearts of many. How WONDERful it is to have Stevie in our lives.
MANILABOY6631 3 years ago
the video is almost as good as the song...ok not even close, but its an awesome video. First time i've seen it..
maseross 3 years ago
I was turning 15 when this album was announced. Songs In the Key Of Life was almost three years old and still burning up the radio. The anticipation was so thick that they even tried to play songs from it on the radio to whet your desire to buy it. People were disappointed in it because they were used to pop and burgers when he tried to introduce us to fine wine and prime steak. I listen til I liked it. It is the best album he ever did. He didn't play all the instruments, though he could have.
kevinbland 4 years ago 3
the. most. beautiful. video. EVER!!! the secret life of plants, the second the first song, 'earth's creation' comes on, tears well up in my eyes. this is soul music, in the most basic sense. this is up there with any classic piece of art! this fills my heart with such joy. i cannot say enough about this. but, i actually do know someone who saw this when it was originally released, on the screen,i was 3.
stevie is playing the n.o. jazzfest this year! i will walk there if i have to!!!
lumbia33 4 years ago
Although this album didn't gain mainstream popularity, I think it was one of Stevie's most courageous musical endeavors. I absolutely love it! The cinematography is genius as well...
abelevine 4 years ago
The first album I dug up out of my mother's record collection when I was a kid. Lyrical to the point of breaking...not sure what people mean by it being trippy.
I agree it's less ear-candy and effective rythms than much of his other stuff, but this album feels so good as low-key, less blatant and more melody.
That said, Songs in the key of life was the second record I dug out of my parents' LPs when I was 8.
vurtuality 4 years ago
Look at Stevie walking by faith and not by sight...LOL. But i must say this at the peak of his career, which was "songs in the key of life", he went what everybody thought was "out there" with Secret Life of Plants. Prince also did that too. After Purple Rain, was the awsome "Around the World in a Day". People said that that album was a waste of time and trippy.
Gemini199981 4 years ago
lol...comparing AROUND THE WORLD IN A DAY to this....pretty naiive. Tambourine anybody? The ladder is something...but if there's a prince comparison it'd be THE RAINBOW CHILDREN...infused as it is with JAMES BROWN, MILES DAVIS (bitches brew), CARLOS SANTANA (3rd album) and just seminal prince artistry...lyrics, intent, perception. thats the one that ought to be mentioned. BTW i've read that STEVE VAI said the same about AROUND THE WORLD IN A DAY...so yep...maybe not.
miasmicmatt 4 years ago
Does Stevie have ten times the love of an average person or one hundred times the love?
thewhitebarrywhite 4 years ago 5
This comment has received too many negative votes show
WOW hes been spending too much time with plants..
rip it, roll it, smoke it
Atoweha 4 years ago
Stevie Wonder's Journey Through The Secret Life Of Plants is one of the best albums ever recorded. I love Stevie so much. I'm listening the album right now on my stereo. Unbelievable how a so terrific record was released almost 30 years ago. God Bless You, Stevie Wonder.
carlosdangerous 4 years ago
This comment has received too many negative votes show
fake
kurdtsock 4 years ago
By Daddy...Love You.
mutiara48 4 years ago
This is incredible. Anyone want to put on all black and go with me to Paramount, break into the vault and get the negatives out so the rest of the world can see this? I never knew it existed until now...
MrBadeaux 4 years ago 3
Jesteś słaby w pokerze? Nie jesteś jedyny, ale na Pokerocean com możesz zarobić szybkie pieniądze, ponieważ jest tam wiele początkujących miejących za dużo pieniędzy! Zarejestrowałem się wczoraj za darmo z Bonuscodem POTSIZE i już teraz prowadzę z 1.250 dolarami dodatkowo do tych 210$, które otrzymałem jako bonus.
pokergame1234 4 years ago
Harry! Are you really "the" Harry Mandel?
That albulm was my mother's favorite,and despite his blindness Stevie has the hability to guide so many of us.
Thank you.
STEAMWORKER 4 years ago 3
Yes I am. I'm glad you mom liked it!
hmendell 4 years ago 3
I'm so happy to see this released. I developed the Melodian sampling synth that Stevie used to incorporate sounds from nature into this film. It was an experience that shaped my life. - Harry Mendell
harry10021 4 years ago 2
The Birds are singing the melody because of Harry Mendell, we called the box(solid ringcore storage)"Harry" in honor of him.
AsYourSoldier 4 years ago
WoW. That brings back memories. Who are you?
hmendell 4 years ago 2
SIGH! I SAW THIS DOCUMENTARY WHEN IT CAME OUT and have been searching for it ever since. It was remarkable - and possibly disturbing to some as it showed the fantastic sensitivity of a 'control plant' during various lab experiments, hooked up with electrodes to an electrocardiograph/encephalograph thus recording responses to other plants, vegetables and even human beings. There were also interspersed throughout, dance pieces to Stevie songs.
dorianfilmgroup 4 years ago
It was a magical experience to experience this documentary when it came out. Saw it around 1980. Apparently Stevie and the director/creator travelled for a year to gather all that was contained in the doc. Amazing. Yes, Paramount owns it and I hope that they release it to the public some day. A heart vs head experience. The audience was in awe at the end. I've never experienced anything like it in a theater since. Thank you for sharing it.
IlluminataNatura 4 years ago
Why Haven't Wonder made a video-collection, Paul McCartney will soon realese one, then at least we can get Ebony And Ivory.
Deadanyway 4 years ago
Nice! Thanks for this. I had seen the last few seconds of this clip on PBS in the early 80s. I was upset I may have missed the entire film. Maybe it was just a clip used in a TV show. Or maybe it was just a promotional music video from Motown Records shown between PBS shows.
Your description above says the film was "unreleased." But I remember when it was released in theaters. Unfortunately its release was limited to artsy theaters, and I have yet to see it. It was distributed by Paramount.
CarlsBarkley 4 years ago
Beautiful album he made for his children to explain plant life to.Only thing I liked of Stevie Wonder being myself strictly jazz and blues.with some old rock Doors Led etc thrown in.
Aikonawena 4 years ago
The video really compliments the song...feels really fresh..what was the actual film about..surely it wasn't 2hrs worth of plant footage :)
I have to say that the album isn't his best but an interesting addition to his cannon.
yazzman13 4 years ago
A shame the sound is poor, because this is such a beautiful song
zlatikk 4 years ago
wow...this is my favorite album of all time...i never knew that it had a video
munhihausen 4 years ago
Damn... That stabbed straight through me like a dagger... I'm crying my eyes out!? I can't believe they haven' t used this for a massive ad campaign on tv all over the world! Stevie really isn't human. He's a true music God!
video63 4 years ago
Very well said. I agree. I could'nt have said it better.
2500190 4 years ago
What other superlatives can one attach to Stevie?
None.
He is truly a once-in-a-lifetime artist and will be celebrated forever like all the greats..Beethoven, Mozart, Ellington....Wonder what happened to that movie, though..surely it's worth a viewing, if only to see/hear all the other great tracks on that album like Race Babbling, A Stars a Seed (Kese Ye Lolo De Ye)...someone is sitting on some treasure in some musty vault, somewhere....GIVE IT UP!!!!
papalongstuff 4 years ago 2
If I could ever come close to what this man ever did..........now THAT would be a miracle!
leonabackbeat 4 years ago
thank you for this post!!
omg is all i can say!!
spoonieluv2 4 years ago
Where did you find this video clip? I've looked for ages to see the documentary! Thanks for posting it.
BTW - "Overjoyed" was originally supposed to be included with the album, but was left off - just how good was Stevie?
jimraw1 4 years ago
Este disco me curo una depresion , por culpa de una zorra...viva stevie wonder
AbrahamBarbate 4 years ago
this sent a chill down my spine - prob the most revealing footage of stevie i,ve ever seen.the album of the film was released and it has some beautiful music on it[as well as some crap !]
neil65542 4 years ago
wow great video thanks
alwayswilling1232000 4 years ago
This is amazing. First 2 minutes mades you wanna cry. Here he is blind yet still carefully finding his way through the forest.
denise804 4 years ago
The MASTER.
ElectrickFingers 4 years ago
Great music, shame the book the Secret Life Of Plants is a load of newage pseudoscience
BruceForsythe 4 years ago
That is so great! How did you get access to this film? I am about to email you. How beautiful!
polizuelanmami 4 years ago
Oh my GOd!, i just can say thank you for this video!. THANK YOU!
libano72 4 years ago
I LOVE YOU STEVIE!!!!!!!!
nick7477 4 years ago
STEVIE IS THE BEST!!
elizadaysens 4 years ago
THIS IS INCREDIBLE!!! I've never ever seen this video (in being very young at the time this album was released). This album is very pleasant, spiritual, deep & sincere. I enjoy this album(Secret Life Of Plants) even to this very day. Although this upload is not musically felt as it should be, I still accept this upload with gratitude. THANKS
loneman247 4 years ago
That was beautiful. He is a musical genius.
minnied84 4 years ago
Absolutely breathtaking. I have always loved Stevie's work. What impresses me the most about this is he has devoted his music to something he has never seen. Look how he walks among the trees and sunflowers! He speaks about them as if he has studied them and looked them over a million times. Absolutely beautiful! Thank God for this man and his music.
leadingbyxample 4 years ago
What a beautifull comment, True de man is Blind, but he has an extra sensitive part, of Listening/Feeling/ Life, dat a lot of people take 4 granted. Lead more by example by words friend.
plantman00 4 years ago
He cans tudy them by smell and touch and learn about them from audiobooks.
lightwilker 4 years ago
I loved this when it came out. For me, it's Stevie being his true self - experimenting and pushing the boundaries. It's true - the public at large were'nt and aren't ready for this depth of creativity. I love him and he has been one of the greatest influences in my life.
beaurive 4 years ago
Sweet,
plantman00 4 years ago
Someone should take this to the IMAX format. There's definitely something here folks. My favorite song from that album is "A Seed's a Star". Peace
Brilliantbeing 5 years ago
the medley "A seed's a star/Tree" is out of this world...when "Tree" begins, man...it fills my soul
spaceonthebass 4 years ago
In those days,1979, the film company could and often did, write off the cost of development money @ 4 to 1. They spent 8 million on "Secret Life of Plants" and allowed it to fail. Then wrote off 32 million as a loss on their taxes. Today they can only write off 2 to 1.
The law changed in 1980, so this was the last chance for the film co. to use the 4 to 1 rule.
AsYourSoldier 5 years ago
I could agree more with you Sainter1. I think this was his true masterpiece. Commercially the album flopped cuz every one expected it to be somewhat like songs in the key of life. But again it was a completely new concept again. This is what true creativeness means.
Thanx for posting this...its veryu rare and very special only to those who are open to it...it made my day
Greetz spirit
spritualdiary 5 years ago
Wow how did you get your hands on this???
10toesdown 5 years ago
El genio más genio de todos los genios de la música!! No quiero morir sin ver a Stevie Wonder en vivo. Donald
monotarro 5 years ago
Where the heck did you find this clip? I want to see the rest of this film! Awesome!
fistjedi 5 years ago
wow. never knew about this. I knew the record flopped, people weren't ready for it, and still aren't. Beautiful, thank you for putting this up
seeem 5 years ago
The video has a very spiritual element about it. Even stevie discarding his glasses somehow adds to it. I loved this album when it was first released and never understood why it took so much criticism.
shahid0566 5 years ago
Great music. Stevie played all instruments , composed the music ans sang most of the tracks himself.
I`ve never seen before a video to the LP. It is the inly video Stevie can be seen without his sunglasses.
Fideldidel 5 years ago
The most underrated and best of all of Stevie's albums.
sainter1 5 years ago
Innervisions maybe the best, but this one has some incredible stuff on it. And underrated it was, this one.
teemingup 4 years ago 3
WOW! There's a sense of melancholy in this film and song. You're right cliffkast, there is a sense of vulnerableness. This is also the first time I saw Stevie without his shades. There is actually a documentary on The Secret Life of Plants album that clears up the confusion many had at the time of the album's release, but unfortunately you can only find it at the Library of Congress.
ddenniscoleman3 5 years ago
Awesome, and very rare! Thank you for sharing. God bless Stevie.
ElectrickFingers 5 years ago
Way ahead of our time...wow. a Masterpiece...a spritual journey.Thank you & bless u.
addinmohd 5 years ago
Actually, this film WAS released, believe it or not. It flopped big time, IIRC, but it did get out. I grew up in Metro Detroit and I distinctly remember it showing at the now-long-defunct La Parisian Theatre on Ford Rd in Garden City. But, this is but one example of a lost film that, good or bad, deserves some kind of re-release on DVD.
montauk6 5 years ago
Truly marvelous. A misunderstood album. Beautiful. Thanks for sharing this.
grannie530 5 years ago
My local Cheapo records store has at least half a dozen copies of this record in stock. You can pick it up for about five bucks. Might be worth the effort, since it's now regarded as a misunderstood classic. Folks didn't really understand it at the time, coming after the peak of Stevie's glory years. But this is a really good tune.
danielthomas 5 years ago
I wasn't aware that a part of the movie existed with Stevie Wonder!
Thank you
cgwolf1 5 years ago
HOLY CRAP!! i spent nearly two years just trying to track down this album on CD (like "where i'm coming from" which i only found on LP- nice hanging Mobile cover!) After doing some research i NEVER imagined i would get to see any of it, heard it was entirely scrapped...i can't even find the book at used bookstores. THANK YOU SOOO MUCH for the post. AWESOME!
miasmicmatt 5 years ago
Wow. Intense video, too bad the actual movie cant be found. Where did this scene arise from?
NicholasGord 5 years ago
Floyd had 'Ummagumma', Yes had 'Tales From Topographic Oceans', Fleetwood Mac had 'Tusk', and this guy had 'Secret Life of Plants'. A very special experimental album in his resume. Stevie could have followed up 'Key of Life' with yet another commercial-friendly album, but he had the GUTS to do otherwise. This, in a nutshell, is why this era in his career ('Music on My Mind' thru 'Plants') was indeed his 'golden' era.
MEseventyone 5 years ago
Do you have the entire film, too?!
HowieP 5 years ago
LOVE IT (:
MsCherieAmour 5 years ago
deep.
1god 5 years ago
Spiritual
janemadison 5 years ago
Man, I have waited 27 years for this film just to see this...thank you so much for this post...I can't believe it. Stevie at 29 and doing it sans the shades. Thank you thank you thank you.
alphaqnow 5 years ago
sounds like alicia keys was influenced by those opening chords
mfolleyr20 5 years ago
Wowsers, where did you find this? Was this actually going to be in the movie or was it planned as the video for the single release? Very interesting indeed.
tetley 5 years ago
This excerpt was actually the last scene of the film itself. It's the only portion of the movie that Stevie appears in, although his songs are featured throughout. I do not think it was planned to be used as a promotional music video. It just kind of appears that way.
RandomPosts 5 years ago
Wow, I haven't seen this before - it's striking how unafraid Stevie is to appear as vulnerable as he may seem here. Many, many thanks for this.
cliffkast 5 years ago
man i have this cd..thanks for the post
macksboy87 5 years ago
I am happy to finally see a clip of this movie! So hard to find. Only Stevie would dedicate an album and movie to plants. My hero!
Shabrena 5 years ago