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St. Paul, Minn.

40 years ago, 'The Wiz' retold the 'The Wizard of Oz'

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Today's Morning Edition music is from the song "Ease on Down the Road" from the original cast recording of the "The Wiz."

That musical opened on Broadway 40 years ago today.

It was retelling of "The Wizard of Oz" with new music and an all-black cast.

The show won seven Tony Awards and closed in 1979 after more than 1,600 performances. It was also adapted into a motion picture featuring Diana Ross and Michael Jackson.

Here are clips of Ross and Jackson performing "Ease on Down the Road" from the film:

• More Morning Edition music