In the case of Wonder’s “Happy Birthday” its important, I think at this time, to reclaim it as a political anthem. The beauty of a great song is that, whatever the songwriter’s intent, it has its own life, gaining new meanings and is used in new ways that obscure its origins. That they should make it become an illusion But there’s a long middle section of the song that makes Wonder’s bigger goal explicit. As the cake is brought out at most parties folks clap along as they sing the chorus. While Wonder’s “Happy Birthday” is now a staple of celebrations most folks know the infectious hook and, maybe, the first verse. What I’ve found interesting is how many people don’t know that Wonder’s song is about King (and I’m not just talking about people in their 20s.) An informal survey of adults from 40s to 20s found that most of them did not know the song’s inspiration was in political agitation. Age and time have weakened my recall on that important detail. Ironically I don’t recall a performance of “Happy Birthday,” the track off 1980’s ‘Hotter Than July’ that celebrated King and argued for the King holiday. Admittedly my memories of the day are a bit fuzzy: I remember standing on the Washington Mall listening to various activist speak recall the presence of both Gil Scott-Heron (who was a big supporter of the effort) and Gladys Knight can still feel my feet getting cold in the biting January air and Wonder giving a rambling speech. for the day as part of new gig at Record World magazine, a now defunct music trade publication, where I had recently started as a staff reporter covering the black music scene. King’s January 15th birthday as a national holiday, Wonder had embraced the idea and made the effort an signature part of his legacy. While Detroit Congressman John Conyers had initiated the of marking Dr. Moreover as a child of the ‘60s Civil Rights Movement, Wonder had always had a political consciousness. Albums like ‘Talking Book,’ ‘Innervisions,’ ‘Songs in the Key of Life’ and ‘Hotter Than July’ had made Wonder pop musics leading figure. In 1981 the multi-talented singer-songwriter-musician-producer was coming off one of the greatest runs of creative and commercial success in history. Martin Luther King’s birthday to be declared a national holiday. Still, we're extremely happy that their recent duet ' Finish Line' has come to fruition.It was forty years ago this week that Stevie Wonder, along with a group of musicians and politicians, stood on the same area of the Capitol building that was recently overrun by Trump supporters, to argue for Dr. They even won the Grammy Award for Best Pop Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals and Song of the Year, whilst raising $3 million for the cause. They did for instance work together in 1985, recording a cover of Burt Bacharach and Carole Bayer Sager's song 'That's What Friends Are For' with Gladys Knight and Dionne Warwick as a charity single for AIDS research. Read more: When Bill Withers joined Stevie Wonder for a stunning performance of 'Ain't No Sunshine'
"It was a dream come true for me: not only do a love him as a musician and worship him as a songwriter, but he's one of my favourite people in the whole wide world."īeing such good friends for the best part of half a century, there have no doubt been times where both Elton and Stevie have been in the studio together. And we've known each other for so long!" he responded to Fallon. Now it just sounds like he's bragging! Read more: Sir Elton John collects award from Prince Charles in first outing since hip surgeryĮlton appeared on the show via video-link from his London home to promote his recent chart-topping album The Lockdown Sessions, as he continues his recovery from hip surgery.ĭespite their many years of friendship, it marked the first time that the music legends had duetted together.Įlton finally got to work with Stevie on his latest album, The Lockdown Sessions. "On my 60th birthday Tony Bennett, Scissor Sisters, and Mary J Blige. So I've been very lucky in that respect." "Stevie actually sang Happy Birthday to me at my 70th birthday, along with Lady Gaga, Ryan Adams, and Roseanne Cash. Later in life when his 70th birthday came around, he made sure not to make the same mistake twice.
(Photo by Dimitrios Kambouris/WireImage). Stevie and Sir Elton have been great friends for the best part of half a century now.
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