Price: $19.98

She has the voice of an angel, the prose of our greatest poets, the gratitude of countless devoted fans. Syreeta did six albums for Motown and is best known to the general public for her hit duet with Billy Preston, “With You I’m Born Again.” But it’s her first two albums, produced by Stevie Wonder, who was then her husband, that are her artistic legacy.

Syreeta was first a Motown secretary, hoping for a break in the late Sixties, when producers Ashford & Simpson worked with her on “I Can’t Give Back The Love I Feel for You.” Her early work seemed to some like rehearsals for her elevation as lead singer of the Supremes, to replace Diana Ross, or to try out material for Miss Ross that was either rejected or ended up on her solo albums.

Then Syreeta began a personal and professional collaboration with Stevie Wonder. They worked together on Stevie’s Where I’m Coming From; she made a memorable cameo on the hit “If You Really Love Me.” While furthering his independence with the landmark album, Music Of My Mind, Stevie also co-wrote with Syreeta and produced her solo debut album, originally available on the short-lived MoWest label. Their personal life spills into the tracks, especially on the playful “I Love Every Little Thing About You,” which was also re-cut by Stevie for his album; and “To Know You Is To Love You,” appearing here in a longer, unfaded version than what was on the original vinyl. (Stevie later revived it for B.B. King.) The ethereal “Black Maybe” was later covered by Freddie Hubbard, in which the jazz legend attempts to re-create the beauty of Syreeta’s unmistakable voice. Rounding out the album are two covers, of The Beatles’ “She’s Leaving Home,” and Smokey Robinson’s “What Love Has Joined Together.”

The record was well-received critically but not commercially. Despite the setback, Syreeta and Stevie returned to the studio. Stevie’s second phase of his career had taken off, with the albums Talking Book, which featured several co-compositions with Syreeta, Innervisions and Fulfillingness’ First Finale. Their creative juices were flowing. The tracks were more energetic but no less autobiographical: Stevie Wonder Presents Syreeta is a song-suite of their relationship, from love to marriage to breakup to friendship in 40 breathtaking minutes. “Spinnin’ And Spinnin’” and “I’m Going Left” were hits in the U.K. Guitarist Jeff Beck covered “Cause We’ve Ended As Lovers” and, like Freddie Hubbard, did his best on his instrument to emulate Syreeta’s voice.

Syreeta was reissued on CD nine years ago, in Japan only. Stevie Wonder Presents Syreeta was available on a CD in the U.S. ten years ago. Neither was available for very long after that. Now, both albums can be had on one 78-minute disc, with beautiful packaging that includes never-before-seen photographs from the LP cover sessions and a revealing essay featuring quotes from Syreeta.

Price: $19.98

DID YOU KNOW? In 1994, Syreeta toured with a production of Jesus Christ Superstar; she played Mary Magdalene.