Last weekend I saw Stevie Wonder perform live at the Bonnaroo Music Festival. I obviously knew Stevie’s hits but I had no idea that he put on such a great show. The man is sixty years old and blind since just after birth, and at a festival with over 100 acts he was the best thing about it. Aside from playing all his hits, he brought the audience in for sing-alongs including “Uptight (Everything’s Alright)”, gave us a singing lesson, and (here’s the most important part, and the reason why I think he deserves a mention on Rockabye) throughout the entire set he reiterated the importance of peace, love and harmony. Wonder proved himself to be the most upbeat, exuberant performer, leading an ecstatic crowd of 70,000 people in dance moves.
Stevie has won more Grammys than any other male solo artist (22), and he has recorded over 30 top-ten hits, but I think most people will remember him for the positivity and joy his music brings to everyday life. His music is upbeat and danceable and his message of love is a great lesson to pass on to your kids.
Stevie Wonder “Superstition” at Bonnaroo 2010
Stevie Wonder – Uptight (Everything’s Alright) Live (1965)
