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.

[@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 !

[@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. 👊🏾💯

[@seancannon1985]

Stevie is the goat!!!

[@Myveryownplace]

That's true!

[@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!

[@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.

[@BurstupTV]

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

[@dhlking1]

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

[@MikeBell-eu3zp]

I second that emotion

[@harrietjohnson1930]

I’m beyond moved EVERYTIME I view this. ☺️

[@bryan3dguitar]

For me there are 3 amazing things about this clip @ 6:00 1. Stevie says "I love you Toots" and hugs him in mid-tune 2. The band knows to pause until cued, while Toots receives this wonderful display of affection 3. Toots cues the band to continue on, while feeling pretty elated...!

[@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

[@Myveryownplace]

Toots Thielemans was a genius and together with Stevie Wonder magic happens! ❤

[@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.

[@harrietjohnson1930]

🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰

[@paulmartin39]

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

[@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"?

[@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.

[@emanuele_scicolone]

Due grandi musicisti e due belle persone

[@emanuele_scicolone]

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

[@blucheer8743]

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

[@oasisdo]

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

[@reoscorpio]

Lawd have mercy... their harmonicas must feel so blessed to have them play.. they never get windsaver issues.. or stuck reeds.. nothing. they make it look so easy .. Geniuses

[@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

[@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

[@johntrik]

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

[@UGOMANGO12]

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

[@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!

[@2171942]

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

[@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.'

[@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 😍 😅

[@harrietjohnson1930]

I got mad love for Toots and Stevie.

[@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!!!

[@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

[@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.

[@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

[@sibusisogumede]

What a performance the dudes rocked the show,how many jazz performances have featured harmonica as their leading instruments and we witness two harmonicas doing the impossible.The crowd loved it too!!!!

[@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.

[@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

[@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.

[@allenwood100]

brings tears to my eyes

[@74lou74]

Toots vient de fêter ses 90 ans !!!!!!Bon anniversaire TOOTS !!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@FilipJersMusic]

This is just so so so good. Can´t describe anything, its just listen. I have played with the pianoplayer, Gösta Rundqvist, he said it was a lot of energy in the room!! / Filip Jers - Diatonic & Chromatic Harmonicaplayer

[@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?

[@marioTmaggot]

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

[@snidelywhiplash8399]

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

[@julioguzmanrock]

Maravillosos!!!!! 👏👏👏👏👏👏👏🙏🙏🙏❤️❤️❤️🎼🎼🎼

[@RobYpma]

Just listening and hearing 'Is'nt she lovely...' at 1:32. Magic XXL!

[@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!❤️❤️

[@stansteimberg8365]

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

[@winstonscott4195]

So true👍🏾👍🏾👍🏾👍🏾

[@Lady_A.R]

❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤ Toots & Ellis Regina were magical ❤️❤️❤️🥰❤️❤️❤️ I loved these two together. RIP to the two fine legends. ❤❤❤🪽🪽❤️❤️❤️😇

[@jody024]

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

[@cmrdeaconblues]

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

[@MarkusWikstrom]

THAT IS ME PLAYING MY NEUNER O HORSTEINER UPRIGHT BASS !!!

[@MarkusWikstrom]

LOVE AND HAPPINESS !!

[@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

[@PeterCruijs]

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

[@akheem7515]

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

[@MrSteveG58]

I can't stop watching this!😅

[@keepthemusicplaying0]

May they live forever!! What a performance!

[@rei970523]

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

[@thomasbomar9756]

A wonderful collaboration two musical masters 😀♥️🙏🎼🎼

[@jean-philippelepetit6061]

Un des moments les plus formidables du jazz…

[@matt4270]

Stevie is the master of that warm mid range, no mater the instrument! And with Toots on the high end, Oh My God! Its Laugh Out Loud feel good!

[@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.

[@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.

[@malinwa4ever315]

Toots loved brazil❤

[@pianojazzman]

TOOTS is the SHIT!!!! Really Rocks!!! I'll have the inmense pleasure of listening to him LIVE in a few weeks when he comes to California...

[@terrysmith2619]

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

[@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...

[@Metric1958]

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

[@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...

[@pascalvignier5230]

Magique, Magnifique inoubliable ❤

[@funkettone]

Thanks a lot to the poster of this jewel...i love Toots...but Stevie it's simply impressioning with an incredible groove and musicality!!!

[@KelGhu]

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

[@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!

[@maximefanna7187]

RIP and thank you That was a magnificient musical ride.

[@candiceward8345]

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

[@GBGSK]

toen toots zijn versie van ne me quitte pas op de heysel speelde das pas om van te janke. kippenvel en alles zo een power. fantastis op zijn leeftijd nog zo schitteren!

[@stillphil]

Happy 100th Birthday Toots!

[@joannehines7806]

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

[@iancurtis6490]

wtf: this is surreal! Saw Stevie open for the Stones in SF in '72 and he blew them off the stage. Love Toots!

[@blachubear]

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

[@marilynbrandon1936]

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

[@marianchacon5289]

2 AWESOME ARTISTS!!! STEVIE WONDER + TOOTS THIELMAN ABSOLUTELY AMAZING!!! OMG!!! MAGICAL, HAUNTINGLY LOVELY + BEAUTIFUL!!! SO SMOOTH, SOOTHING + RELAXING!!! TQ FOR A LOVELY RENDITION!!!

[@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.

[@dxluna4521]

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

[@funkyduck4743]

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

[@shelleybobelly1]

how could a music lover not get this?

[@NeuroHead]

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

[@Lady_A.R]

Toots & Stevie ❤❤❤ magical together ❤❤❤ WOW 😮 This is my first time seeing this. How did i missed this event?

[@jennieosborne3530]

Can't compare them they are both great. I always listen to Stevie Wonder singing or playing the harmonica.

[@juandedios8]

¡WHAT A PARTY!¡toots playing his beloved son (also son-g) "bluessette"! ¡joyful like a sunday drive! stevie wonder sounds like "isn't she lovely". two GREAT multifacetic musicians whith harmonica as a common instrument beetwen them.i'm enjoying booth.

[@SedanChair]

These masters are still walking the earth

[@rongreen1103]

Exquisite ❤️ Love Toots' Brazil Project 1 and 2...

[@JuliusBoxer-CooperMusic]

Stevie's tertiary harmonies over Toots's Melody at 4:40 are MINT! 👌

[@Parker1768]

Grande Toots sei un vero Big del jazz punto di riferimento dei giovani talenti dell'armonica jazz.

[@frederickfarell4062]

TOOTS! SMOKIN' BLUSETTE!!!! A MOST BLESSED MUSICIAN.....

[@frederickfarell4062]

MR. STEVIE TOOOOOOOO!!!!

[@javijazztazz]

Toots and Stevie my harmonica heroes :)

[@36index]

So....what you're saying, is that "Lee is not the same calibre of musician as Stevie and Toots? Maybe, you've never heard any of Lee's solo projects? Without a doubt, most music listeners would recognize the distinctness of the three styles and appreciate all three genre of music that go with them. War had a string of hits, and Lee's contribution on harmonica made it possible......never forget Lee.

[@LuciaVanolli-n6q]

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

[@Moshe13us]

Hello Heidi, You have the right to express any opinion you want and that's precisely what this forum is designed for. I was just meaning that - as far I'm concerned - Stevie ansd Toots are two huge legends in their respective fields and I'm just unable to put one of them before the other ... Mo

[@podfunaug30]

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

[@KutWrite]

Anyone else remember Toots' work on the Quincy Jones soundtrack of "The Getaway" with Steve McQueen & Ali MacGraw? Great blend with the Don Elliott Voices.

[@Vanze42]

My personal favorite composition. Two thumbs up.

[@ovalie38]

Vraiment un duo mémorable. J'adore.