Jacob Collier deconstructs a Stevie Wonder classic

Stevie Wonder's irresistible ode to jazz, explained

Stevie Wonder is one of the most widely celebrated artists in history. His music is infectious, melodic, and thoughtfully inspired by the jazz musicians who came before him. In his legendary song "Sir Duke," Stevie paid homage to the late Duke Ellington and his other predecessors.

Jacob Collier is a rising star in his own right and is Stevie Wonder's self-proclaimed greatest fan. Here, he breaks down the jazz influences and syncopations Stevie uses to create the magic that is "Sir Duke."

If you’d like to check out more of Jacob’s music check out his YouTube channel here:

Some songs don't just stick in your head, they change the music world forever. Join Estelle Caswell on a musical journey to discover the stories behind your favorite songs.

Note: The headline for this video has been updated since publishing.
Previous headline: Stevie Wonder's irresistible ode to jazz, explained

[Vox]

The most challenging part of making this video was visually interpreting the song and Jacob's explanation in a clear way for musical amateurs (just like me). There's one moment around 2:15 where Jacob says "A flat minor." Now, as I'm animating, I'm also learning new things about music theory, and fact checking them. This moment completely stumped me, because "A flat minor" - I learned - is the enharmonic equivalent of "G sharp minor." In clearer terms, they are the same chord, though many people find "G sharp minor" to be the simpler alternative.

So, should he have said "G sharp minor instead?" Please discuss that amicably below. From my perspective, it would have been more complicated and confusing to write "G sharp minor" as he said "A flat minor." Also "A flat minor" needs more love. Please clap for #Aflatminor.


- Estelle

[jonathanb]

“He’s obnoxiously good at music.”


Adam Neely

[ethanschubkegel]

Me: *sits on the piano*
Jacob: "And that's actually one of my favorite chords"

[andreskosberg]

He doesn't say
-I am Jacob Collier a musician god graduated in the god music school
He say
-I am Jacob Collier, the biggest Stevie Wonder fan

[ghostofpop]

Song: *misses beat by 0.001bpm*


Jacob: *heavy breathing*

[jpeg]

*dont let this distract you from the fact that guy is wearing CROCS*

[vroomoon]

Normal Terminology: Blue Note
Jacob Collier Terminology: S P I C Y Note

[greghunter]

I like how Jacob introduces himself as Stevie wonder's biggest fan, giving people who don't know about him no hint that he is a genius

[izzycamoc]

Why does Jacob’s drum imitation sounds more like a real drum than the drums in the music

[kennardlam]

yall should start a series call music theory with Jacob Collier lol. By far the most informative musical theory video ive ever watched> gr8

[TehPobo]

How did I go from learning about calculus to jazz on YouTube

[zius]

This Jacob fan guy should start a career in music!

[adriandelosangeles]

Anyone else appreciate the camera person laughing as Jacob goes “oh yeahh” at 5:43?

[anyagaff]

I love hearing from passionate, eloquent musicians. They truly make our world bright. Thanks Vox!

[lukeselby]

It’s amazing when you realise how intricate this song is

[Jellestraatsma]

Stevie Wonder: uses blues scale
Jacob Collier: there's some pretty heavy stuff going on

[henrystier]

Vox: Hey Jacob can you come to explain Sir Duke for us?
Jacob: Sure but I am going to wear crocs.

[levih.]

casually: "I'm Stevie Wonder's greatest fan."

[rubyppower]

Yesss you got Jacob! He’s just so talented and perfect to describe music theory.

[cmsquared]

B-R-I-L-L-I-A-N-T. Stevie’s music, Jacob’s enthusiasm, and the author’s clear direction. Well done, top drawer, spot on.