A much loved American icon and Motown's golden child, Stevie Wonder is a genius not only in soul music but in popular music in general. In his 30 years with Motown, Stevie has become an musical hero: first, as a child singer; then as a young man with a soulful, and multifaceted talent; and lastly, as an adult pushed by the challenge of realizing his inner visions.

Blind since birth, Wonder's awareness of sound has allowed him to create vibrant music infested with life. Almost everything he recorded bore a stamp of sunny positivity, whether he sang about racial, social and spiritual issues or about heartbreak, a sense of optimism and hope always came out. Much like Ray Charles, Wonder had a hunger for new kinds of music and never stayed with one sound or style. His albums are an eclectic brew of soul, rock and roll, Broadway-style pop, reggae, and African elements and it wasn't just stylistic exercises; Stevie took it all and made it his own personal form of expression.

His range helped account for his broad appeal, but also did his unique voice, his peerless facility, his gift for complex arrangements and his taste for lovely ballads. Also, he created music that sounded fresh in the 70s by combining synthesizer technology to his own funky visionaries changed the world of soul; he employed a microscope of textures and voices that made him a one-man band while evoking a organic warmth.

Along with Marvin Gaye and Isaac Hayes, Stevie brought soul into the album age by creating his albums as consistent statements with compositions that took time to make their point. All of this made Wonder soul's greatest singer, rivaled only by Marvin Gaye.

Starting as a child star in the standard Motown mold, but he took control of his music in the 70s, spinning a series of remarkable albums that were popular as they were acclaimed like "Talking Book" and "Songs in the Key of Life."

Being a product of the 60s, Wonder's music remained inseparable from his humanitarian lookout. Over the years, he has been an advocate of causes from the anti-apartheid movement to disabled children.

Something I learned by listening to Stevie Wonder's music was that someone who was born blind and was able to prove all doubters wrong and became one of soul's best singers is a true rags-to-riches story and he has shown me that through his music. Even today, groups like Boyz II Men and singers like Michael Jackson and Seal have be influenced by Stevie Wonder's innovate singing.

Thank you so much Stevie for all your wonderful songs!

Posted by Andrew on Tuesday, 04/30/2013 @ 00:00am

The headliner of headliners at The Hangout. Closed it down with a 2 1/2 hour set. Played em all. Finished up with Very Superstitious. At least 40,000 in audience. Had a 13 member backing band & 4 backup singers. He had a grand piano, 4 keyboards & one he could wear like a guitar.

Had the crowd singing to most of his hits. Can cross this one off the bucket list.

Posted by Paul in KY on Wednesday, 05/22/2013 @ 15:31pm

I like this guy better than Michael Jackson. And, although I respect MJ, some of his music could get edgy. But Stevie Wonder did not have to be edgy to be amazing. And that is why I like him better than Michael.

ALSo, WHY IS "DO I DO" NOT IN ESSENTIAL SONGS?

Posted by Karl Singleton on Friday, 03/21/2014 @ 19:49pm

Karl, I'm going to be sincere with you and say I agree with you about Stevie over Michael. Michael was brilliant, but Stevie just flat-out buries him (no disrespect intended). As far as Essential Songs... the man had so many, it'd be impossible to list them all and keep it short 'n' sweet. Personally, I'd list "Place In The Sun" as one of his essential songs... such a powerful and moving piece, yet optimistic, hopeful, and smooth. Gorgeous.

Posted by Philip on Friday, 03/21/2014 @ 23:29pm

Paul Simon inducted Stevie Wonder. Paul Simon mentions Stevie's birthplace of Saginaw in the S&G song "America":

It took me four days to hitchhike from Saginaw"

Posted by Aaron O'Donnell on Monday, 07/7/2014 @ 19:40pm

Last night I saw him live in St. Louis as he performed the whole 'Songs in the Key of Life' album, along with a couple classics. Local favorite Nelly even joined in on an electronica/dj medley with Stevie, which was AWESOME. I was more than thrilled with one of the greatest geniuses in music. He so deserves his position at the top of this website's R&RHOF pyramid. To explain his influence and inspiration would have to be put in book form. I don't agree with his political views very much, but to me its the music that matters. Sometimes I do take his message seriously, as in 'love one another'. He dedicated last night's concert to the victims of Ferguson, but he did keep it well-balanced by having two guys who lost their mother the previous night join him onstage for a duet.

Definitely a night to remember. If he's anywhere near your town, don't miss out. He still has it at 65!

Posted by Jason Voigt on Monday, 10/26/2015 @ 23:06pm

Killer, Jason! Glad you got to see him. A treat anytime he performs!

Posted by Paul in KY on Tuesday, 10/27/2015 @ 07:07am

I'm going to see him in Indianapolis on November 7. This year I also got to see the Rolling Stones at the Speedway on July 4. The Rolling Stones and Stevie Wonder, two of my all-time favorite artists, that I thought I would never get the chance to see.

What a year!

Posted by Donnie on Tuesday, 10/27/2015 @ 07:31am

It'll be a great time, Donnie. Unfortunately my chances of seeing the Stones live are looking slim since they don't ever come my way anymore. But I did add several RRHOF inductees (and future ones) to my list this year from Fleetwood Mac to Steely Dan, and next week it'll be John Sebastian. Great year for me as well

Posted by Jason Voigt on Tuesday, 10/27/2015 @ 15:29pm

Sounds great, Donnie! Would love to see the Stones some day. You'll love Stevie!

Posted by Paul in KY on Wednesday, 10/28/2015 @ 07:06am

songhall.org/news/entry/remembering_sylvia_moy

RIP Sylvia Moy

Posted by Roy on Wednesday, 04/19/2017 @ 20:28pm

By far, the most creative musician of the 1970s. Those 5 albums ("Music of My Mind", "Talking Book", "Innervisions", "Fulfillingness' First Finale", and "Songs in the Key of Life") are unsurpassed by any solo artist in music history, save Bob Dylan.

Posted by Luke Madigan on Monday, 05/8/2017 @ 16:24pm

I loved Part Time Lover when it came out even though I was too young to understand what the lyrics meant.

Posted by Chris on Sunday, 08/16/2020 @ 18:48pm

Stevie Wonder is totally deserving.

Posted by Chris on Tuesday, 08/18/2020 @ 01:59am

I wish I could see him play live here in the U.K. He puts on a top draw show.

Posted by SoulMan2 on Sunday, 08/14/2022 @ 12:18pm