As I wrote in a previous post, I want to use the “something wonderful” series to introduce readers to things they may not know about. That means that, despite the fact that I think Stevie Wonder is a musical genius, I didn’t feel I could add him to my list of possible topics. But last week Slate gave the world a gift in the form of Wonder Week, which gives me an excuse to write about Wonder anyway.
Wonder Week was conceived after Prince’s death, when Slate staff members decided it would be good to pay tribute to a musical genius while he or she was still alive. Their pick was none other than Wonder, and I couldn’t be happier about their choice.
My own appreciation for Wonder blossomed only recently. I don’t remember a time when I didn’t know or enjoy his music. I even bought one of his albums when I was a teen. (I’d love to claim it was one of the ones from his classic period, but I’m afraid it was In Square Circle, which I bought because I was very into the schmaltzy song “Overjoyed.”) But I sort of took him for granted.
Then I experienced something akin to the rom-com trope where the protagonist realizes that they’ve been in love with their best friend all along. You know: All this time I’ve been chasing after X, and I’ve been taking you for granted! But you… you’ve always been there for me. How could I have been so blind?
In Wonder’s case, I read an interview with someone — I can no longer remember who — in which that person proclaimed Wonder a musical genius, and I found myself thinking, “Of course.” I started checking his music out from the library and once again buying it for myself, this time paying more attention to his peak years than I had when I was a teen. I noticed things about his music and the way others responded to it. I was in a consignment shop when “My Cherie Amour” came on. Not one of us in the store remained unaffected. We sang or hummed along; we danced a little (even though it is not a particularly “dance-y” song). Another time Sting’s “Brand New Day” came on the radio, and I found myself thinking, “The harmonica player has to be Stevie Wonder,” because his playing was so distinctive. Wonder’s music had always been very present in my life, but suddenly I’d gone from just enjoying the music to being a fan.
So of course I was very excited when Slate unveiled their week-long tribute to Wonder. I learned that he is a great drummer, and I was introduced to the Black “Happy Birthday” Song and the story behind it. I reveled in an essay written in appreciation of Wonder’s “Fozzie Bear voice,” and I discovered that the type of harmonica he uses is one reason his playing is so distinctive. I came away with an even deeper appreciation for a musician I already greatly admire.
So, yes, I’m endorsing a man who doesn’t need my endorsement: Stevie Wonder. But whether you are one of his fans or just find yourself tapping your foot to his music without stopping to think about what an amazing musician he is, you’ll find Slate’s Wonder Week worth your while. You’ll come away with new insights, and if you aren’t already in love with him, this just might be the push you need.