Jeff Kravitz/Getty Images via ABCOne of the most critically acclaimed second season episodes of Donald Glover‘s hit FX series, Atlanta, was the “It’s Teddy Perkins” episode. Now, we’re learning that the episode needed special permission from none other than Stevie Wonder.
In the episode, Glover plays Teddy, a Michael Jackson-like character who welcomes Lakeith Stanfield‘s Darius into his home to pick up a piano. While in Teddy’s home, things become progressively strange and ominous.
In an interview with Variety, Atlanta co-music supervisor Jen Malone reveals that Glover had to get involved to help clear the music for that episode.
“Glover wanted music by Stevie Wonder to bookend the episode ‘Teddy Perkins,’ including scenes that involved a murder-suicide,” Malone said.
“Many artists, evidently, including [Stevie], aren’t particularly thrilled when their music is used over potentially disturbing content, so Glover had to help persuade Wonder to allow them to use the music,” she explained.
She continued, “Donald had to get on the phone with Stevie and we were all very intrigued about what went on that phone call. But we ended up getting the song and it was just such a perfect musical moment.”
Wonder’s songs “Sweet Little Girl” and “Evil” were used, respectively, at the beginning and at the end of the episode.
Atlanta is up for multiple Emmys this year, including Best Comedy Series, and acting nods for Zazie Beetz, Donald Glover and Brian Tyree Henry.
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