#18 Stevie Wonder

Stevie Wonder was a star at 13. He billed himself as “Little Stevie Wonder” and was a novelty at first. However, he soon proved a gifted songwriter and is considered the greatest artist of the seventies. Between 1972 and 1976, Wonder released classic after classic. On top of this, he performed the majority of the instruments on his albums. One exception to this was when guitar god Jeff Beck was in town. Despite the fact his best work was in the early to mid-1970s, the late 70s to mid 1980s saw his greatest success. Ironically, his most successful single was also one of his weakest. “I Just Called to Say I Love You” went #1 in the U.S. and U.K. in 1984. The following year he performed on “We Are the World” with USA for Africa. Stevie continued to record into the new millennium. During the mid-90s hustle craze, Wonder’s “My Eyes Don’t Cry” supplanted the original 1970s Hustle by Van McCoy. Nowadays, he seems to pop out during presidential campaigns supporting Democratic candidates.

Rock n Roll Moment: During his most creative period, Wonder often played all the songs on his album except when Jeff Beck was available.

Essential Stevie Wonder:
Talking Book (1972)
Innervisions (1973)
Fullfillingness’ First Finale (1974)
Songs in the Key of Life (1976)

Stevie Wonder’s Top 10:
Higher Ground
You Are the Sunshine of My Life
Superstition
Signed, Sealed, and Delivered I’m Yours
Fingertips (Part 2)
Uptight
You Haven’t Done Nothin’ (w/The Jackson 5)
Master Blaster (Jammin’)
Sir Duke
I Wish