Songs in the Key of Life at 50: The Samples That Built New Classics

Fifty years ago, Stevie Wonder handed the world a gift that keeps on giving. Released in 1976, Songs in the Key of Life wasn’t just an album—it was a statement, a celebration of Black artistry, love, struggle, and joy pressed into two records that still sound timeless today. From the horns of “Sir Duke” to the tender pulse of “As,” Wonder crafted a masterpiece that music lovers rank among the greatest ever made, and its influence runs deep through half a century of sound. Ask any hip-hop producer, R&B singer, or genre-bending innovator where the magic comes from, and this record is often the answer. Generations of artists have dug into its grooves, lifting its melodies and reworking its spirit to build hits of their own. As we mark this milestone, we’re celebrating the ways that legacy lives on—not just in memory, but in the beats and hooks shaping music right now. Here are the most iconic and creative moments when contemporary artists sampled Songs in the Key of Life to make something brand new.