African American
Related: About this forumStevie Wonder!
During the day yesterday, I heard that he had scheduled free "pop up" (unannounced officially until the day of the event) concerts in 3 cities here on the east coast including right here in Philly. The other cities were Washington and NYC. The events were not only to promote his final "Song in the Keys of Life" tour but to highlight the problem of gun violence, one of his signature advocacy issues (which the media reports seem to be downplaying)...
The laws have to change so that people who should not have guns dont, said Wonder.
http://philadelphia.cbslocal.com/2015/08/17/stevie-wonder-performs-surprise-free-concert-at-dilworth-park-in-philadelphia/
The local indie media is covering the comments a bit better -
"Basically, I just feel we have to find a way where everyone is accountable for whatever gun they have," Wonder said, before trailing into remarks about police brutality. "Because if you are going to shoot a gun, you need to claim the bullet."
http://www.phillyvoice.com/stevie-wonder-play-free-pop-concert-dilworth/
A portion of the Philly event outside of City Hall on a sweltering 90+ degree day -
More (with some looped video clips and stills) - http://www.buzzfeed.com/nickguillory/stevie-wonder-shut-down-philly#.purqx6mZ5
randys1
(16,286 posts)He is simply one of the greatest singer songwriters in human history.
BumRushDaShow
(129,053 posts)I know that I take him for granted sometimes because he has always been "around". And it's funny but a week ago, I had heard a song on the radio by him and wondered what he was up to - and then bam! Heard that he was here yesterday.
His ability to transcend musical genres with his iconic compositions and singing, as well as his tireless activism (he was apparently also promoting voter registration at these pop-up events), has definitely helped seal his place in history. My favorite by him though will always be "My Cherie Amour" that came out back in '69 when I was 7. I have some happy little memories of that summer and that song (along with Neil Diamond's "Sweet Caroline" and Friends of Distinction's "Grazing in the Grass" always got me singing in the old Ford station wagon we had (with the AM-only radio...lol).
Admiral Loinpresser
(3,859 posts)my brother complained about it.
But my all time favorite is the hypnotic "I'll Be Loving You Always." It reminds me of a Shakespeare sonnet.
My other favorite from the late '60s:
Cha
(297,257 posts)He always reminds me of my time visiting Detroit back in the day when he was Little Stevie, "Uptight".
Barack Obama presents Wonder with the Gershwin Prize in 2009.
BumRushDaShow
(129,053 posts)Maybe he can introduce the harmonica to a new generation for use in the current genres of music. He could sure jam on one.
Cha
(297,257 posts)SidDithers
(44,228 posts)I saw him at Exhibition Stadium in Toronto in 1982. He was incredible.
He played a version of Sir Duke that never ended. Every time the horns brought it to a close, he'd start singing again.
And then he played Do I Do and the place went nuts.
Fun times.
Sid
lovemydog
(11,833 posts)Man oh man I love Stevie. I especially love his album tracks.
Superwoman
They Say That Heaven Is 10 Zillion Light Years Away
As
And so many more!