Stevie Wonder
Stevie Wonder – The King of Motown
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“Music is a world within itself, with a language we all understand.”
– Stevie Wonder
The Artist: Stevie Wonder is an artist that needs very little introduction. He has recorded more than thirty U.S. top ten hits and won twenty-two Grammy Awards. Between becoming a child star for Motown at the age of 11 to the past 50 years of creating classic hits like “Superstition” or “I Just Called to Say I Love You”, and his efforts to make Martin Luther King Jr.’s birthday a national holiday, Stevie has managed to make a lasting impression on the world.
As a master of the piano, harmonica, drums, bass, and numerous other instruments, every note Stevie sings and plays soaks directly into the heart and marinates the soul. Despite being blind since shortly after his birth, he is a creative and humanitarian visionary that brings deep passion and a sense of joy to all of his work. In 2008, Billboard ranked Stevie Wonder in the top 5 of the Hot 100 All-Time Top Artists. Wonder was successful with music very early on. “Fingertips” was his first hit at the ripe age of thirteen. His youthful start allowed him to work with many well known artists over the years like Marvin Gaye and the entire Motown family, Prince, Elton John and Michael Jackson. Wonder’s lyrics often include social and political topics, though he is more famous for his romantic songs like “Ribbon in the Sky.” He continues to reach out to the people of the world through his music. As a United Nations Messenger of Peace, he is dedicated to bettering the lives of people everywhere and is involved in countless charities around the globe. In 2009 he was chosen by Barack Obama as one of the honored celebrities to sing at his inauguration ball. Later, Wonder was presented the Lifetime Achievement Award by President Obama. His mark on this world has been profound, and Wonder continues to dazzle us all through his music, his spirit and his generosity. The Song:
“I could go on and on about Stevie Wonder. Growing up in Detroit, he was a key part of the soundtrack throughout my life. I have seen him in concert over a half dozen times and listened to many of his records on replay, always moved and inspired in my heart and soul.” -Frank Fitzpatrick
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Featured Artists: • Gustavo Dudamel |
