Toots Thielemans and Stevie Wonder, Polar Music Award

Toots Thielemans and Stevie Wonder, Stockholm (Sweden)
Polar Prize Music Award.
Gösta Rundqvist Piano, Markus Wickström Bass and Johan Löfcrantz Drums.

[@saxcomparr]

I grew up in Yonkers, NY and was 12 or 13 years old when Toots arrived from Scandanavia and began playing at a club in Yonkers down by the Hudson river. I went there with my alto sax wanting to "sit in" on a tune. Toots was so nice to me - when others in the club wanted to throw me the hell out. Toots let me play on a tune, and when I left the club I was so happy I felt like I was walking on a cloud. I'm 74 now, had a great career (Buddy Rich band, 16 years Chairman of college music dept., etc.) - but will always remember Toots for how gracious a person and great a player he was that night.

[@jeffreyweiser2667]

Very cool. Thanks for sharing. What a great memory.

[@anndevries8267]

Scandinavia? A Brussels ketje through an through you mean. Rightfully made a baron by the Belgian king.

[@ItzMeOB]

Great story.....thumbs up

[@deniaridley]

Now THAT'S a great story! Merci.

[@emmetband4931]

What a wonderful memory and lovely story.

[@janicestayshich9108]

Stevie Wonder doesn't usually take second place to anyone but Toots is the GOAT of the harmonica. What a joy seeing them play together!

[@anteroxavier]

FICOU EM LIVING FOR THE CITY(MUSICA DELE) COM RAY CHARLES AO VIVO BUSQUE ,ASSISTA E COMENTE

[@anthonyharris5135]

No lie told in your statement. 👊🏾💯

[@19841947]

I had the honor of interviewing Toots, live, for the belgian public radio RTBF. Wonderful memory of a joyous, smiling, talkative and incredibly MODEST man !

[@brucekuehn4031]

Don’t forget that Toots wrote this tune and of course Stevie would know it because it’s one of the great melodies for chromatic harmonica of all time. And Toots gave a little tip of the hat by working in a little “Isn’t She Lovely”. Mutual love and respect here!

[@Itz-All-Gud]

Toots bought several properties off this tune alone! Love Bluesette. Especially the version with Bill Evans on piano, and also with the Boston Pops/John Williams directing!

[@KutWrite]

I couldn't find where he did "Isn't She Lovely." Anyone have a time stamp of it?

[@KutWrite]

@@Itz-All-Gud Is that the performance where Toots did the theme from "Missouri Breaks?" I aired it live when I worked for PBS, but never found a recording of it.

[@brucekuehn4031]

@@KutWrite It is a quick quote that comes around 4:24 - just the title section of the lyric - “Isn’t she lovely”.

[@KutWrite]

@@brucekuehn4031 OK, thanks. I love that kind of thing and will try to catch it now.

[@mikegould6407]

Two greatest harmonica players ever. Period.

[@rogerbachelart2510]

Avec Steevie Wonder!

[@jackaltv]

Absolutely! That was amazing!

[@RobertBrown-qg8pj]

People aiways seem to forget how great Stevie Wonder is on harmonica.

[@1101atlgirl]

Not me. Toots and Stevie are the best.

[@InstantKaarma]

Not true.

[@Zofer-1920]

Nope. Not me either. These two genuinely have what I feel is the most beautiful tone brought out from the instrument.

[@pacrimco]

Any human being with hearing and a brain understands this. Music is the glue of humanity.

[@Filigraana]

This is one the most beautiful and insightful comments I’ve ever read on KZbin.

[@alainvosselman9960]

nice words !

[@davidoquias6061]

Glue really strong stuff

[@dhlking1]

If this doesn’t move you, I don’t know what will!? This was simply beautiful 💯

[@MikeBell-eu3zp]

I second that emotion

[@BurstupTV]

Two giants of the chromatic harmonica together. Amazing to watch and listen to. RIP Toots!

[@stansteimberg8365]

KZbin exists to remind you that Stevie Wonder is a genius, whatever he does

[@winstonscott4195]

So true👍🏾👍🏾👍🏾👍🏾

[@IvorThomas]

If this doesn't make you smile, then your jaw is wired shut!

[@Alvasings]

Ivor Thomas it makes we cry to see /hear such beauty!

[@LouisDefaux]

He played with the best performers .We'll never forget his wonderful music.He left us when he was sleeping.He was 94 years old.R.I.P.

[@diederikjournee5580]

Am I the only one having tears in eyes listening to this? over and over again...

[@wilwulpje5684]

nee

[@MarcVesseur]

Absolutely not!

[@chrissherer2047]

no, you're not

[@MrSteveG58]

I can't stop watching this 😍 😅

[@paulmartin39]

Two of the very best chromatic harmonica players, ever. Stevie is amazing, as is Toots. A great combination of legends. 🎼🙏❤️🙏❤️🎼

[@oasisdo]

i love toots but i must say that stevie'sound is just unbeliveable. 5 stars !!

[@mmissmaya]

Its my uncle who plays the bass :)

[@lslewis]

Wow^^he was really holding it down~

[@mallorcatenerife]

Who is it ?

[@rubberduck8631]

@@mallorcatenerife markus wickström, its in the description

[@westwindpainting]

Te quiero mucho

[@GildedWarrior331]

Yea he slapping that bass

[@LennyBlue-yo9zo]

I am embarrassed to say as a “ blues harmonica player” for 50 years I never saw Toots or am familiar with his music. I dived into harp players like Little Walter, Sonny Terry, James Cotton, John Mayall and Magic Dick. I finally bought my first chromatic harp and can’t get enough of it Hope it’s not too late to learn it. Fighting lung cancer .

[@victorvernon2507]

God is a Healer.

[@RobertDanielsR3DKAT]

This belongs in the Smithsonian...A world treasure in musical expression. I would have given anything to be there.

[@pamtebelman2321]

magical!

[@harrietjohnson1930]

I agree. The love, beauty and magic in this performance would have caused me to levitate from my seat had I been in that room. What a gift for the soul.

[@rohiten1]

Absolutely .... Stevie Wonder started out at an early age...he plays exactly the way he sings, with all those light oh-so-delicate touches. You have to realize that he's getting notes and bends in such a simple, but beautiful, instrument. Toots is supposed to be one of the few who can even play Coltrane with those crazy octave jumps...you cannot compare Toots with Stevie...all you can do is get your jaw back into place and listen...spellbound ....Will always love these great guys

[@andzwe]

Extra wonderful and touching to listen to this now, after Toots Thielemans' passing at 94. A musical way of showing respect to Stevie Wonder at 1:32 with a bit of Isn't She Lovely. Wonder called Thielemans every year to wish him a happy birthday. 'We're harmonica brothers' is one of many, very nice things Thielemans said about their musician- friendship. Stevie Wonder: 'I may be a Black Bull, but you sure are a White Bull.'

[@jean-lucescriva20-12]

Stevie Wonder came to play harmonica on my first album and it is so great to see Stevie and Toots playing together ! ;)

[@christopherjames9843]

Who the fuck are you?

[@rottsrule2505]

@@christopherjames9843 😂😂😂😂

[@Louie914]

@@christopherjames9843 😂😂😂

[@urmom777]

@@christopherjames9843 who the fuck are you?

[@junebermingham9300]

Let's have respect., R,I,,P Toots,, A Speedy recovery to Stevie Wonder, Hope his surgery went well, Best wishes Stevie!❤️❤️

[@jjaniero]

at around 4:30 and maybe a few other points it seems that they're paying tribute to each other - stevie is doing a little toots and toots is doing a little stevie pure joy

[@fosbury68]

I saw Toots in Seattle about 10 years ago. One of the greatest concerts I've ever seen. I'm so grateful I saw him. He touched my heart.

[@UGOMANGO12]

What can one say? Here you have two (giants) on stage doing what they do best, creating pure gold. What a show. Bravo!!

[@erikl8287]

This is probably the best video on KZbin, any category. Musical magic that makes me smile every time I see it. (I usually don't comment on anything here but making an exception for this one.)

[@miguelvalarezo6808]

Tots and Elis Regina, bluessete.

[@juangaflogger]

Whats the name of this song?

[@musicanico51]

Bravo!!!

[@philsarkol341]

two geniusses together..super musicaly ...

[@barreltapper]

So you like a bunch random notes played in no particular order without a discernible melody, what else do you like?

[@2171942]

Had the privilege of being up close with the one & only Toots Thielemans at one of our Jazz Nativity concerts - joyous!

[@cdk2968]

The sheer musicality of those two blokes is just unbelievable...

[@JaeBoogie333]

This was incredible!! My tears fell also and the lip kiss sealed it for me. Two great, great warriors of music. I simply love it. Amen!!!

[@allenwood100]

brings tears to my eyes

[@jody024]

A man passed, the legend will live on forever.....

[@snidelywhiplash8399]

love the little kiss at the end - such a sweet moment between musical brothers.

[@cmrdeaconblues]

If that don't bring tears of joy to your eyes, then nothing will.. 😊

[@maxmaxime8380]

I was just a kid when Toots created this music and since then I've always had it in my head and it brings back so many memories... let's not forget his film scores including Midnight Cowboy and Gateway... The only thing that comes to mind when watching this video is "but why wasn't I in front of the stage in the front row"?

[@johntrik]

That is absolutely wonderful.,,Two LEGENDS on stage together.I can hardly sit on my chair and not dancing.Breathtaking....!!!!!

[@PeterCruijs]

I love the way how Isn't she lovely got improvised into Bluesette by Toots Thielemans.

[@aurelio1204]

Geeez, i'm whatchin' Toots live today!! He's playing in my hometown, São Paulo- Brazil. A dream come true. My dream of whatching Stevie has come true a few years ago in his house of toys concert, but I dream of seeing him again. Yep, you can't get enough of geniuses like these.

[@jean-philippelepetit6061]

Un des moments les plus formidables du jazz…

[@marioTmaggot]

This performance is incredibly heartwarming. I love you Stevie and Toots.

[@akheem7515]

This music never gets old! The enthusiasm and genuine delight is mesmerizing!

[@MrSteveG58]

I can't stop watching this!😅

[@marilynbrandon1936]

i love the old school music. That is what I'm talking about. Stevie Wonder in Alfie

[@roBEARtoEHarwoodJr]

In case y'all didn't know, musicians don't fight, they play music.

[@ujimajame4601]

The first time I heard Toots play harmonica, i immediately thought of Stevie Wonder's harmonica playing - he's the only one who has had me do that - so it's highly appropriate that the two of them got the chance to appear together. And the song he chose to perform, "Bluesette", reminds me so much of some of the work Stevie did on his "Eivets Rednow" album, which makes it even more meaningful!

[@TheRembrandt1953]

Awel kben er nie goe van,waar je ook bent Jeanke het ga je goed Ketje van de Marollen me aa Mondmusiekske,rust in vrede Toots,merci pour la Musique.

[@KelGhu]

It's ridiculously legendary... I can't stop laughing in disbelief of how awesome this is...

[@podfunaug30]

Toots has been a recent discovery of mine. A senior musician friend of mine introduced him to me. This is the real deal.

[@blucheer8743]

Toots just has a “sound” as soon as you hear it you know right away who it is

[@wowjef]

Toots seemed genuinely surprised by Stevie turning up. Genius meets genius. How good is this?

[@vinyltapelover]

@mugge62 That it is:)

[@junebermingham9300]

This is as good as it gets,,,,EXCELLENT. ❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@mambojazz1]

Nah Toots saw Stevie in the audience. Thats why Toots purposely played "Isnt She Lovely" in his solo. Toots was only surprised that Stevie pulled out his harmonica and got on stage!

[@lisarainbow9703]

It's a great day when you get ambushed by Stevie Wonder....

[@rei970523]

Too great! Toots and Stevie playing together, it's miracle

[@thomasbomar9756]

A wonderful collaboration two musical masters 😀♥️🙏🎼🎼

[@haitinistein9072]

Toots is a professional an harmonica artist Stevie is an alien of every musical instrument. His way of playing harmonica was just out of this world and so normal at the same time.

[@LuciaVanolli-n6q]

😮😮😮😮😮😮😮😮 Absolutely Breathtaking!❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤🙌

[@maximefanna7187]

RIP and thank you That was a magnificient musical ride.

[@sinsagoodmansbrother]

Just incredible! Toots & stevie are two incredible musicians... I new how well they both played harmonica but Stevie clearly can blow.... Some of the riffs he threw out were amazing... Toots will be 91 next week! April 29th...

[@lesyouri]

Geniaal toch, de 'gekke belg', de beste mondharmonica speler op de wereld en stevie staat toch wel op nummer 2 denk ik. Ik had m van de zomer live gezien, denk dat ik bij de 2de nooit moest janken. Echt geweldig

[@BackSeatHump]

I simply love the music of Toots Thielemans. I was a school boy when his whistling version of Blusette came out (ca. 1963) and the tune stuck in my heart and never left.

[@bluflashlite]

AWESOME!!! Seven minutes of unadulterated bliss! ...AND I can finally get to distinguish WHICH one of them it is who is actually playing! (Whenever I hear either of them I'm never too certain until I've read the sleeve notes!)

3:47 Stevie plays Blussette, the most famous piece by Toots...

[@leifvejby8023]

Bet they had fun!!

[@allenwood3805]

I think the most famous piece by Toots is the theme from Sesame Street

[@blachubear]

Toots & Stevie!!! It doesn't get any better than this. Rest In Peace Toots & thanks for sharing your talent with the world.

[@keepthemusicplaying0]

May they live forever!! What a performance!

[@funkyduck4743]

Thank you for the beautiful music Toots, RIP. Say hi to Jaco

[@terrancesmith9911]

All man 2 of the greatest that blew the harmonica.

[@candiceward8345]

My dad always mentioned Toots when I was going on about Stevie. Never heard him before WoW. Loved that

[@joannehines7806]

Loved the endearing way Stevie " creeps up" on Toots!! Lifetime musical harmonica best buddies!!💘

[@ofactory7197]

初めてハーモニカのサウンドのCD聴いたのが。この二人のハーモニカです・本当に雷が落ちたみたいな。サウンドでした・ハーモニカが言葉を喋るみたいに吹いていた。二人です・Tootsは映画の夜叉です・健さん・たけしさん・田中裕子さん・いしだあゆみさん出演していた映画音楽知りました・ワンダー後楽園スタジアムコンサート行きました・差の時にめワンダー吹いていました・それが僕のハーモニカの思い出です・・この映像本当に感謝します・アップしてくれた方有難う

[@krimisim]

Stevie shreds that harmonica!

[@Metric1958]

Music in heaven is going to change RIP Wonderfull kind and always smiling Toots.

[@stratoleft]

One of the most unusual and beautiful songs ever composed.

[@Blinglover]

Don't you love that little "Isn't She Lovely" improv? I adore this man.

[@emanuele_scicolone]

Il bacio in bocca è stato la ciliegina sulla torta :D Due grandissimi della musica!!!

[@terrysmith2619]

When the heart overflows with joy, the ensuing tears are so sweet😂

[@NeuroHead]

Totaly amazing!! The king looks all excited like a little child at christmas lol ! he is a big stevie and old motown fan.

[@anthonyharris5135]

The two absolute masters on one stage.

[@josemolina959]

Genius! Virtuosos! On perhaps the hardest instrument to master! 👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🎼🎶🎵🎼

[@scottelam7865]

I have always loved Mr Wonder's drumming, beautiful song writing & singing, & of course his harp playing. But you can bet dollars to donuts that when Mr Wonder started playing harmonica with Toot's, he found himself swimming in some very deep musical waters with that older gentleman...thank you Mr Thielemans for your beautiful music

[@Drewster58]

His bebop- ish lines are awesome, so good, so in the pocket and jammin’, god Toots just swung and grooved hard. Love it.

[@professorMcgroin]

I actually met Toots twelve years ago after a concert in my home town in Flanders. I had him sign the inside of my harmonica box. He was a real down- to- earth and very charming man. I still have the harmonica, but I've never really learned to play it, unfortunately.

[@b6schilke996]

I wish I could push the like button a bunch more times. These two guys are my favs

[@janssensbaskoro]

saw him in 2014 in my hometown of Antwerp, gratefull that i saw him in one of his last preformances, thank you :(

[@da3musceteers]

I'm proud to say it's my uncle who playing bass, I mean Stevie is world wide famous and my uncle got the onour to play with him and Toots :-D

[@emanuele_scicolone]

Due grandi musicisti e due belle persone

[@dxluna4521]

Iam 66 yrs old but i newly discover this very kind smooth so nice music.

[@TIMETODISARM]

Toots, 90 years old today, still doing what he does best!

[@TheMidcoast1]

These gentlemen are out of this world and Stevie is power packed with so much more rhythm.

[@AManAnd88Keys]

They're as happy as little children in a playground. Pure joy!

[@bif9745]

There was a time where special guys confronts themselves to a battle where the audience was the true and only winner, and where some of the contestants had no remorse to say: "i love you toots"

[@chelcie3]

Man thank you sooo much for posting this. I've been dreaming of finding these two together for a while. TEARS OF JOY!!

[@foxxeeyy]

Nothing compares to 2 geniuses at work! Beautiful!

[@PHJimY]

The first Toots album I got was in the early sixties. Toots didn't play any harmonica, just played guitar and whistled. Then I saw the movie That Cold Day In The Park and heard Quincy Jones' lovely sound track. Quincy was doing a lot of movie work in those days and he used Toots' harmonica and guitar skills on many of them. Surprisingly, the first time I heard Toots do Bluesette, he was playing guitar and whistling in unison.

[@ChristianSchonbergerMusic]

Absolutely fantastic! That incredible tone and range of emotions these guys get out of the harmonica. I actually manage to cheer and cry at the same time - like about everyone else... these guys are the best!

[@stillphil]

Happy 100th Birthday Toots!

[@marianchacon5289]

ABSOLUTAMENTE EXQUISITA MUSICA DE STEVIE WONDER Y TOOTS THIELMAN, 2 ARTISTAS DE LO MAXIMO!!! BELLISIMA MUSICA!!!! . MIL GRACIAS POR COMPLACERNOS!!!!

[@krielkip]

You can't imagine how happy this makes me. Thanks a million for the upload ♥

[@47f0]

Brilliant. Is there an instrument that Stevie doesn't play? Toots and Stevie both have such an instinct for the flow that they play off each other wonderfully.

[@nikih.6372]

Unbelievable great, great, great. I could not trust my eyes and ears seeing this two exeptional muscians together on stage. Was not able to dry my eyes...

[@marilyn302]

I came here to wish Toots Happy Heavenly Anniversary today. Thank you Sir, for the legacy and catalogue of music you left behind. Just masterful and pure genius❤️

[@manguera9]

what a pleasure to listen and see those monsters of music

[@Mcflyyy]

Two musical greats playing, the greatest performance ever. Gil Rama Dakay

[@adriannoe9841]

Que Músico increible Toots, y ni hablar de Stevie.....

[@gleff3345]

Toots and Stevie playing together is an embodiment of what music is all about.

[@333ministries]

It doesn't get any better than this!!!