Legend Credentials:

Only the late, great Marvin Gaye and the unpredictable genius of Prince can rival Stevie Wonder as the foremost R&B talent in music history.

Blind since a medical accident shortly after his birth, Stevie Wonder’s disability has never held him back.

It’s often been remarked that his heightened awareness of sound helped him create his mind-bending fusion of innovative beats, amazing vocals and vibrant melodies. He immersed himself in the world of music, developing a tireless fascination and passion for the widest range of rock, jazz, and reggae, as well as soul and funk.

As a child growing up in Detroit, the already musically obsessed Stevie began singing in his church's choir at six; from there he blossomed into a genuine prodigy, learning piano, drums, and harmonica all by the age of nine. While performing for friends he was discovered by the legendary Motown Records.

Wonder first made his name as a child star in the Motown mold - the irresistible, youthful exuberance of his album “The 12 Year Old Genius” gave Motown their first chart-topping LP - but he soon took control of his own career.

In the '70s a series of incredible albums - as popular as they were acclaimed -made his reputation. His unique voice, peerless ear for melody, gift for complex arrangements, and pioneering use of synthesizers revolutionised R&B. A virtual one-man band, Wonder forged his diverging styles into a trademark sound, putting his musical signature on an epic quartet of albums that would change music forever - 1972’s Talking Book, 1973’s Innervisions, 1974’s Fullfillingness’ First Finale, and 1976’s Songs In The Key Of Life. They are essential listens today.

Wonder enters his fifth decade as one of the most prolific artists in music history, delivering 35 albums, totalling more than 72 million units. His contribution to worldwide social and political change is just as impressive, notably his championing of Martin Luther King’s work (in 1999, President Clinton remarked: “In so many ways Wonder has helped to compose the remaining passages of Dr. King’s legacy.”)

But it is Wonder’s song-writing legacy that has inexorably connected him to the world. From Motown prodigy to groundbreaking innovator, he has convinced the world of music’s power as a transformational force.

The Original Song:

One of the greatest songs ever written, this was originally penned by Stevie Wonder to be recorded by guitarist Jeff Beck. Luckily for the musical world, his manager heard the track and quickly insisted Stevie record it himself.

Classic Clip:

Stevie Wonder. Superstition. Sesame Street.
As youtube user mailbox827 comments: “Possibly the coolest thing in the history of the Universe”