"Home" is a song from The Wiz, a 1975 Broadway musical that reimagines The Wizard of Oz with an African American perspective. The song serves as the emotional finale, sung by the character Dorothy as she realizes that everything she has been searching for can be found within herself and at home.
Origins in The Wiz (1975)
- The Wiz was composed by Charlie Smalls, who wrote Home as the show's closing number.
- It was originally performed on Broadway by Stephanie Mills, who played Dorothy.
- The musical was a major success, winning seven Tony Awards, including Best Musical.
1978 Film Adaptation
- In the 1978 film adaptation of The Wiz, Diana Ross played Dorothy and performed Home as the film’s final number.
- The film version added more orchestration, making it a power ballad, further popularizing the song.
Later Covers & Legacy
- Stephanie Mills recorded and released Home as a single in 1989, bringing the song to a wider R&B audience.
- Many artists have covered Home, including:
- Whitney Houston, who performed it as a teenager on The Merv Griffin Show in 1983.
- Beyoncé, who sang it in tribute to Michael Jackson in 2009.
- Jennifer Hudson, who performed it live and on television specials.
Cultural Impact
- Home has become a staple song for vocalists in talent shows and tributes.
- It remains one of the most iconic songs from The Wiz, representing themes of self-discovery and belonging.
Stephanie Mills (the original) Showtime at the Apollo!
Diana Ross (Live on Diana, 1981)
Shanice Williams (The Wiz Live! 2021)
Johnny Manuel (The Voice Australia 2020 Blinds)
Whitney Houston (Live at The Merv Griffin Show, 1983)
Cynthia Erivo (2025 Oscars)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UF_9I-lfZ1Y
