Signed, Sealed, Delivered I'm Yours
Encyclopedia
"Signed, Sealed, Delivered I'm Yours" is a soul
single by American musician Stevie Wonder
, recorded for Motown's Tamla label. Released in June 1970, the song spent six weeks at number one on the U.S. R&B chart and peaked at number three on the U.S. Pop
chart. In the same year, the song was also released on the album Signed, Sealed, and Delivered
.
The song was a series of firsts for the 20-year-old Wonder: "Signed, Sealed, Delivered" was the first single Wonder produced on his own, and was also the first to feature his female backup singing group composed of Lynda Tucker Laurence
(who went on to become a member of The Supremes), Syreeta Wright
(who also co-wrote the song), and Vanetta Fields.
During a 2008 appearance on Friday Night with Jonathan Ross
, he credited the song title and chorus "signed, sealed, delivered, I'm yours" to his mother Lula, who exclaimed the words after listening to her son experiment with the melody. This song also marked Wonder's first Grammy nomination. The award went to Ronald Dunbar and General Johnson for writing the Clarence Carter
song "Patches".
, Elton John
(then performing under his real name, Reg Dwight) recorded a cover of it for a collection of top hits of the day that were released as discount LP "sound-alike" versions. It was later released on several CD compilations, perhaps the most notable of which was "Reg Dwight's Piano Goes Pop!" Elton's (or rather Reg's) version was later included under the end titles of the 2004 romantic comedy film "Laws of Attraction" starring Pierce Brosnan and Julianne Moore.
In the early 1970s, Bobby Byrd
performed an up-tempo cover of this song on a single with other songs performed by James Brown
and Lyn Collins
.
In 1977, Peter Frampton
recorded the song on his album I'm in You
. His version also contains instrumental elements from Wonder's hit For Once In My Life
. Frampton's version was released as a single, reaching #18 on the Hot 100.
In 1995, Kim Wilde
performed the track during the last episode of Don't Forget Your Toothbrush
on UK television.
Jazz fusion
\contemporary jazz group Pieces of a Dream
presented their version from the band's album "Pieces."
In 2003, for his first in a two-volume collection of Motown cover songs, Michael McDonald
recorded his own version of the song. Later that same year, Wonder recorded a similar remake with British boy band
Blue
. The song hit #11 in the UK charts.
Human Nature
successfully remade the song to feature in their Motown album released in 2006.
Lead singer for the band Train
, Pat Monahan, covered the hit in 2003.
A mostly instrumental version of the song has been released by the James Taylor Quartet
.
Former adult film star Colton Ford
and dance diva Pepper Mashay
recorded a club version of this song. This version went to #9 on the Hot Dance Club Play
and #25 on the Hot Dance Singles Sales
charts.
English
R&B
singer Craig David
has covered the song on his fifth studio album, inspired by the same name "Signed Sealed Delivered
".
The television reality show The Glee Project
featured the song as a 'Homework Assignment', in the First Episode of Season One.
frequently played the song immediately after President
Barack Obama's
speeches at campaign events. Wonder performed the song live on the final night of the 2008 Democratic National Convention
at Invesco Field
in Denver, Colorado
. During the campaign, Obama's chief campaign strategist, David Axelrod
, used the song as the special ring tone on his cellular phone whenever he received a call from Obama.
At Obama's election night rally at Grant Park
in Chicago
, the song was one of the first of three songs played to warm up the audience for Obama's victory speech upon winning the 2008 presidential election. The song was used in the same fashion the Clinton-Gore campaign
used Fleetwood Mac's
hit, "Don't Stop
."
and Stevie Wonder
. This was the second single from Blue's third album, Guilty
, and it peaked at number #11 in the British charts.
UK CD2
Soul music
Soul music is a music genre originating in the United States combining elements of gospel music and rhythm and blues. According to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, soul is "music that arose out of the black experience in America through the transmutation of gospel and rhythm & blues into a form of...
single by American musician Stevie Wonder
Stevie Wonder
Stevland Hardaway Morris , better known by his stage name Stevie Wonder, is an American singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, record producer and activist...
, recorded for Motown's Tamla label. Released in June 1970, the song spent six weeks at number one on the U.S. R&B chart and peaked at number three on the U.S. Pop
Billboard Hot 100
The Billboard Hot 100 is the United States music industry standard singles popularity chart issued weekly by Billboard magazine. Chart rankings are based on radio play and sales; the tracking-week for sales begins on Monday and ends on Sunday, while the radio play tracking-week runs from Wednesday...
chart. In the same year, the song was also released on the album Signed, Sealed, and Delivered
Signed, Sealed, and Delivered
Signed, Sealed & Delivered is Stevie Wonder's twelfth album on the Tamla label, released on August 7, 1970. Along with the hit title track, the album also featured the hits "Heaven Help Us All", "Never Had a Dream Come True" and Wonder's soul-styled cover of The Beatles' "We Can Work It Out"...
.
The song was a series of firsts for the 20-year-old Wonder: "Signed, Sealed, Delivered" was the first single Wonder produced on his own, and was also the first to feature his female backup singing group composed of Lynda Tucker Laurence
Lynda Laurence
Lynda Laurence is an American singer. She is best known for being a part of two Motown acts: Stevie Wonder's backup group Wonderlove, and one of the post-Diana Ross versions of The Supremes...
(who went on to become a member of The Supremes), Syreeta Wright
Syreeta Wright
Syreeta Wright , who recorded professionally under the single name Syreeta, was a Grammy-nominated American singer-songwriter most notably known for her work with Stevie Wonder and Billy Preston.-Early life and career:...
(who also co-wrote the song), and Vanetta Fields.
During a 2008 appearance on Friday Night with Jonathan Ross
Friday Night with Jonathan Ross
Friday Night with Jonathan Ross was a British comedy chat show presented by Jonathan Ross. It was first broadcast on BBC One on 2 November 2001. The programme featured Ross's take on current topics of conversation, guest interviews and live music from both a guest music group and the house band...
, he credited the song title and chorus "signed, sealed, delivered, I'm yours" to his mother Lula, who exclaimed the words after listening to her son experiment with the melody. This song also marked Wonder's first Grammy nomination. The award went to Ronald Dunbar and General Johnson for writing the Clarence Carter
Clarence Carter
Clarence Carter is a blind American soul singer and musician.-Life and career:Born in Montgomery, Alabama on 14 January 1936, Carter attended the Alabama School for the Blind in Talladega, Alabama, and Alabama State College in Montgomery, graduating in August 1960 with a Bachelor of Science degree...
song "Patches".
Covers
Shortly before being signed by Uni RecordsUni Records
Uni Records was a record label owned by MCA Inc. The brand, which long featured a distinct UNi logo, was established in 1966 by MCA executive Ned Tanen and developed by music industry veteran Russ Regan...
, Elton John
Elton John
Sir Elton Hercules John, CBE, Hon DMus is an English rock singer-songwriter, composer, pianist and occasional actor...
(then performing under his real name, Reg Dwight) recorded a cover of it for a collection of top hits of the day that were released as discount LP "sound-alike" versions. It was later released on several CD compilations, perhaps the most notable of which was "Reg Dwight's Piano Goes Pop!" Elton's (or rather Reg's) version was later included under the end titles of the 2004 romantic comedy film "Laws of Attraction" starring Pierce Brosnan and Julianne Moore.
In the early 1970s, Bobby Byrd
Bobby Byrd
Bobby Byrd born Robert Howard Byrd was an American funk/soul/R&B/gospel musician, songwriter and record producer. He was born in Toccoa, Georgia, and is a 1998 winner of the Rhythm and Blues Foundation's prestigious Pioneer Award...
performed an up-tempo cover of this song on a single with other songs performed by James Brown
James Brown
James Joseph Brown was an American singer, songwriter, musician, and recording artist. He is the originator of Funk and is recognized as a major figure in the 20th century popular music for both his vocals and dancing. He has been referred to as "The Godfather of Soul," "Mr...
and Lyn Collins
Lyn Collins
Lyn Collins was an African American soul singer best known for working with James Brown in the 1970s. Contrary to some reports, she is not related to Bootsy Collins, nor Catfish Collins....
.
In 1977, Peter Frampton
Peter Frampton
Peter Kenneth Frampton is an English musician, singer, producer, guitarist and multi-instrumentalist. He was previously associated with the bands Humble Pie and The Herd. Frampton's international breakthrough album was his live release, Frampton Comes Alive!. The album sold over 6 million copies...
recorded the song on his album I'm in You
I'm in You
I'm in You is the fifth studio album by Peter Frampton, released in 1977. Frampton returned from touring in 1976 to record this album. Stevie Wonder is also featured.-Background:...
. His version also contains instrumental elements from Wonder's hit For Once In My Life
For Once in My Life
"For Once in My Life" is a pop song written by Ron Miller and Orlando Murden for Motown Records' Jobete publishing company in 1967 . The composition was originally recorded by Jean DuShon, while other artists, such as Tony Bennett and The Temptations, recorded slow ballad versions of the song...
. Frampton's version was released as a single, reaching #18 on the Hot 100.
In 1995, Kim Wilde
Kim Wilde
Kim Wilde is an English pop singer, author and television presenter who burst onto the music scene in 1981 with the number 2 UK Singles Chart new wave classic "Kids in America". In 1987 she had a major hit in the United States when her version of The Supremes' classic "You Keep Me Hangin' On"...
performed the track during the last episode of Don't Forget Your Toothbrush
Don't Forget Your Toothbrush
Don't Forget Your Toothbrush is a Saturday night light entertainment show originally broadcast in the United Kingdom in 1994, and has also been adapted in Australia, Belgium, Finland, France, Germany, Denmark, Italy, Norway, Sweden, the United States, the Netherlands and Portugal...
on UK television.
Jazz fusion
Jazz fusion
Jazz fusion is a musical fusion genre that developed from mixing funk and R&B rhythms and the amplification and electronic effects of rock, complex time signatures derived from non-Western music and extended, typically instrumental compositions with a jazz approach to lengthy group improvisations,...
\contemporary jazz group Pieces of a Dream
Pieces of a Dream (band)
Pieces of a Dream is an American R&B/jazz group from Philadelphia. The group was formed in 1976 by bassist Cedric Napoleon, drummer Curtis Harmon, and keyboardist James Lloyd. At the time, the three were all teenagers...
presented their version from the band's album "Pieces."
In 2003, for his first in a two-volume collection of Motown cover songs, Michael McDonald
Michael McDonald (singer)
Michael McDonald is a five-time Grammy Award winning American singer and songwriter. McDonald is known for a soulful baritone singing style and a multi-octave range. He began his career singing back-up vocals with Steely Dan...
recorded his own version of the song. Later that same year, Wonder recorded a similar remake with British boy band
Boy band
A boy band is loosely defined as a popular music act consisting of only male singers. The members are expected to dance as well as sing, usually giving highly choreographed performances. More often than not, boy band members do not play musical instruments, either in recording sessions or on...
Blue
Blue (boy band)
Blue are an English pop vocal group, whose members are Simon Webbe, Lee Ryan, Duncan James and Antony Costa. Blue originally formed in 2001 before splitting in 2005. In 2009, it was confirmed that the band would reform. In April 2009, the group reunited and a Best of Blue Tour was announced...
. The song hit #11 in the UK charts.
Human Nature
Human Nature (band)
Human Nature are an Australian pop vocal group. The group was originally formed as a doo-wop band in 1989 while the current members were at school together in Sydney. So far, the band has had 17 Top 40 hits and five Top 10 hits in Australia since 1996 when their first album Telling Everybody was...
successfully remade the song to feature in their Motown album released in 2006.
Lead singer for the band Train
Train (band)
Train is an American pop rock band from San Francisco, California, formed in 1994. The band currently comprises a core trio of Patrick Monahan , Jimmy Stafford and Scott Underwood ....
, Pat Monahan, covered the hit in 2003.
A mostly instrumental version of the song has been released by the James Taylor Quartet
James Taylor Quartet
The James Taylor Quartet are a British four-piece jazz funk band who have become renowned for their live performances. They were formed by Hammond organ player James Taylor following the break-up of his former band The Prisoners in the wake of Stiff Records' bankruptcy...
.
Former adult film star Colton Ford
Colton Ford
Colton Ford is the stage name of Glenn Soukesian, a former same-sex adult film star, singer and actor. As of May 2007, he resides in New York City.-Film career:...
and dance diva Pepper Mashay
Pepper Mashay
Pepper MaShay is an Urban/Soul music, House music and Club/Dance singer-songwriter who has had success as a touring and studio performer.-Personal life:...
recorded a club version of this song. This version went to #9 on the Hot Dance Club Play
Hot Dance Club Play
The Hot Dance Club Songs chart is a weekly national survey of the songs that are most popular in U.S. dance clubs...
and #25 on the Hot Dance Singles Sales
Hot Dance Singles Sales
Hot Dance Singles Sales is a chart released weekly by Billboard magazine in the United States, established in 1985. It measures the sale of commercially released singles that deal with dance music and remixes...
charts.
English
England
England is a country that is part of the United Kingdom. It shares land borders with Scotland to the north and Wales to the west; the Irish Sea is to the north west, the Celtic Sea to the south west, with the North Sea to the east and the English Channel to the south separating it from continental...
R&B
Contemporary R&B
Contemporary R&B is a music genre that combines elements of hip hop, soul, R&B and funk.Although the abbreviation “R&B” originates from traditional rhythm and blues music, today the term R&B is most often used to describe a style of African American music originating after the demise of disco in...
singer Craig David
Craig David
Craig Ashley David is an English singer and songwriter. He has released five studio albums: Born to Do It, Slicker Than Your Average, The Story Goes..., Trust Me, Signed Sealed Delivered and a Greatest Hits album...
has covered the song on his fifth studio album, inspired by the same name "Signed Sealed Delivered
Signed Sealed Delivered (Craig David album)
-Reception:The album received mixed to negative reviews from music critics. One of the few positive reviews came from The Guardian's critic Carolinne Sullivan, which say that "Craig David's intention, on this Motown-dominated covers album, was to "sing the songs exactly as the original artists...
".
The television reality show The Glee Project
The Glee Project
The Glee Project is an American reality television series from Oxygen. It serves as an audition for the FOX TV series Glee. Although originally planned to begin broadcasting in late May 2011, The Glee Project premiered on June 12, 2011...
featured the song as a 'Homework Assignment', in the First Episode of Season One.
Political significance
During the 2008 presidential election, Barack Obama's presidential campaignBarack Obama presidential campaign, 2008
Barack Obama, then junior United States Senator from Illinois, announced his candidacy for the presidency of the United States in Springfield, Illinois, on February 10, 2007. On August 27, 2008, he was declared nominee of the Democratic Party for the 2008 presidential election...
frequently played the song immediately after President
President of the United States
The President of the United States of America is the head of state and head of government of the United States. The president leads the executive branch of the federal government and is the commander-in-chief of the United States Armed Forces....
Barack Obama's
Barack Obama
Barack Hussein Obama II is the 44th and current President of the United States. He is the first African American to hold the office. Obama previously served as a United States Senator from Illinois, from January 2005 until he resigned following his victory in the 2008 presidential election.Born in...
speeches at campaign events. Wonder performed the song live on the final night of the 2008 Democratic National Convention
2008 Democratic National Convention
The United States 2008 Democratic National Convention was a quadrennial presidential nominating convention of the Democratic Party where it adopted its national platform and officially nominated its candidates for President and Vice President of the United States. The convention was held in Denver,...
at Invesco Field
INVESCO Field at Mile High
Sports Authority Field at Mile High, previously known as Invesco Field at Mile High, and commonly known as Mile High, is a multi-purpose stadium, in Denver, Colorado. It replaced the identically sized, but commercially obsolete Mile High Stadium in 2001...
in Denver, Colorado
Denver, Colorado
The City and County of Denver is the capital and the most populous city of the U.S. state of Colorado. Denver is a consolidated city-county, located in the South Platte River Valley on the western edge of the High Plains just east of the Front Range of the Rocky Mountains...
. During the campaign, Obama's chief campaign strategist, David Axelrod
David Axelrod (political consultant)
David M. Axelrod is an American political consultant based in Chicago, Illinois. He is best known as the top political advisor to President Barack Obama, first in Obama's 2004 campaign for the U.S. Senate in Illinois and later as chief strategist for Obama's 2008 presidential campaign. Following...
, used the song as the special ring tone on his cellular phone whenever he received a call from Obama.
At Obama's election night rally at Grant Park
Grant Park (Chicago)
Grant Park, with between the downtown Chicago Loop and Lake Michigan, offers many different attractions in its large open space. The park is generally flat. It is also crossed by large boulevards and even a bed of sunken railroad tracks...
in Chicago
Chicago
Chicago is the largest city in the US state of Illinois. With nearly 2.7 million residents, it is the most populous city in the Midwestern United States and the third most populous in the US, after New York City and Los Angeles...
, the song was one of the first of three songs played to warm up the audience for Obama's victory speech upon winning the 2008 presidential election. The song was used in the same fashion the Clinton-Gore campaign
Bill Clinton presidential campaign, 1992
Bill Clinton's 1992 campaign for President of the United States was a critical turning point for the Democratic Party, which had controlled the White House for only four of the previous twenty-four years. Initially viewed as an unlikely prospect to win his party's nomination, Clinton did so and...
used Fleetwood Mac's
Fleetwood Mac
Fleetwood Mac are a British–American rock band formed in 1967 in London.The only original member present in the band is its eponymous drummer, Mick Fleetwood...
hit, "Don't Stop
Don't Stop (Fleetwood Mac song)
"Don't Stop" is a song by the rock group Fleetwood Mac, written by vocalist and keyboard player Christine McVie. Sung by Christine McVie and guitarist Lindsey Buckingham, it was a single taken from the band's 1977 hit album, Rumours. It is one of the band's most enduring hits, peaking at number...
."
Blue, Stevie Wonder and Angie Stone version
"Signed, Sealed, Delivered I'm Yours" was covered in 2003 by British boyband, Blue. The song included vocals from Angie StoneAngie Stone
Angie Stone is an American R&B and soul singer-songwriter, record producer, and occasional actress. She has been nominated for three Grammy Award. She is more successful on the charts R&B charts, with four Top 10 albums, forms including a number one album and 10 singles on the R&B chart,...
and Stevie Wonder
Stevie Wonder
Stevland Hardaway Morris , better known by his stage name Stevie Wonder, is an American singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, record producer and activist...
. This was the second single from Blue's third album, Guilty
Guilty (Blue album)
-Charts:-Year-end charts:-Certifications:...
, and it peaked at number #11 in the British charts.
Tracklisting
UK CD1- "Signed, Sealed, Delivered... I'm Yours" - 3:39
- "One Love" - 3:25
UK CD2
- "Signed, Sealed, Delivered... I'm Yours" (Radio Edit) - 3:33
- "4 Play" - 3:22
- "Guilty" (Original Demo) - 3:25
- "Signed, Sealed, Delivered... I'm Yours" (Video) - 3:33
Chart positions
| Chart (2003) | Peak position |
|---|---|
| Australian Singles Chart | 31 |
| Austrian Singles Chart | 35 |
| Belgian (Flanders) Singles Chart | 38 |
| Danish Singles Chart | 7 |
| Dutch Singles Chart | 16 |
| German Singles Chart | 29 |
| Irish Singles Chart | 17 |
| Italian Singles Chart | 11 |
| New Zealand Singles Chart | 22 |
| Swedish Singles Chart | 36 |
| Swiss Singles Chart | 53 |
| UK Singles Chart | 11 |