Stevie Wonder Performs Despite Sorrowful Emotions
Stevie Wonder's Still Singing His Heart Out
At 75, the legendary soul singer Stevie Wonder still has a powerful message to share. With 22 Grammys, an Oscar, and nine kids, it's safe to say he's accomplished a lot. But his heart's heavy, driven by the pain he sees in America. Last summer, he released "Can We Fix Our Nation's Broken Heart," a song about poverty, injustice, and division.
The outside world may see Wonder living the high life, but his heart's full of sorrow. He's been fighting for his fellow humans since the start of his career. And he ain't stopping now, not even on his birthday.
Born a Fighter
Stevland Hardaway Judkins Morris was born with a fighting spirit. In 1950, in Saginaw, Michigan, he barely made it through birth—thanks to an incubator. Losing his sight early on, he found a new gift in music. He sang in the church choir and taught himself instruments like the harmonica, drums, and piano. Motown Records noticed his talent, and Berry Gordy gave him the stage name "Little Stevie Wonder" before his teens.
In 1962, he released an album of Ray Charles covers and another of original songs. The 1963 live album, "The Twelve-Year-Old Genius," topped the US charts and gave Motown its first number one. For nearly a decade, Stevie Wonder was closely tied to the label.
Searching for Freedom
As he grew older, Wonder yearned for artistic freedom. He developed his own style in the 1970s, blending air into stale soul and funk music with his innovative use of new electronic instruments like the synthesizer. Albums like "Talking Book" (1972), "Innervisions" (1973), and "Songs in the Key of Life" (1976) brought fresh life to the scene.
In his young adulthood, Wonder took the reins and founded his own label, Black Bull Music, gaining independence to create music that resonated deeper. He increasingly spoke out for the oppressed in his lyrics, anticipating developments before they hit the mainstream. He experimented with new sounds and styles, reaching creative heights and leaving classics like "Superstition," "You Are the Sunshine of My Life," and "Sir Duke."
Despite his commercial success in the early 1980s, with Oscar-winning hits like "I Just Called To Say I Love You" (1984) and collaborations with legends like Michael Jackson and Paul McCartney, critics say his later works didn't live up to his capabilities. After 1987, he took a break and has only released two albums since, the last one in 2005.
But don't think Stevie's retired. He's still performing regularly on smaller tours and select events, recently seen dueting with Usher at the 2023 Met Gala opening. His private life is far from boring, with close relationships with former President Barack Obama and Michelle, and supporting Kamala Harris in the 2020 campaign.
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Among Wonder's most devoted fans are former US President Barack Obama and his wife Michelle. They've stayed tight with the artist, with Obama presenting him with the US Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2014. In the 2020 campaign, he sang for the Democratic candidate Kamala Harris, who later lost to Republican Donald Trump.
Music
In his later works, Wonder's albums received mixed reviews, but his passion for music and social justice never wavered. Here's a snapshot of his post-1987 discography and critical receptions:
- "Characters" (1987): This album got a mixed response. While it showcased Wonder's funk influence from the 1970s, it didn't reach the same level of success as his earlier work[3].
- "Jungle Fever" (Soundtrack) (1991): Received generally positive reviews for its soulful and energetic vibes[1].
- "Conversation Peace" (1995): This album was noted for its thematic depth and musical diversity, though it didn't match the commercial success of his earlier works[1].
- "A Time to Love" (2005): After a decade-long hiatus, critics praised this album for its emotional depth and musical complexity, featuring collaborations with artists like Prince and En Vogue[1].
Wonder's later works may not have reached the same level of acclaim as his 1970s masterpieces, but they still reflect his enduring influence and innovative spirit in music.
Source: ntv.de, lpe/spot/dpa
In the realm of entertainment, Stevie Wonder's influence remains undeniable, even as he continues to touch hearts with his music and advocacy. His performances, often alongside newer artists like Usher, keep the legacy of soul and music alive.
Furthermore, Stevie Wonder's fan base extends beyond music, encompassing celebrities like the Obamas, and he has used his platform to support political candidates, such as Kamala Harris in the 2020 election.
