Vote for Your Favorite Politically-Charged Stevie Wonder Song

Stevie Wonder’s new single, “Can We Fix Our Nation’s Broken Heart?,” underscores the iconic musician’s ongoing commitment to addressing political and social issues through his music. Wonder’s passion for these themes began early in his career, notably when he was just 16. At that young age, he scored a top 10 hit with his rendition of Bob Dylan’s “Blowin’ in the Wind” on both the Billboard Hot 100 and Top Selling R&B Singles charts.

Wonder has continued to fuse social commentary with his music throughout his career. His 1973 hit “Higher Ground,” a song he performed at the Democratic National Convention on August 21, reflects this enduring commitment. Moreover, he lent his voice to Barack Obama’s 2009 inauguration, where he performed the song “All About the Love Again.”

Throughout the years, Wonder has not shied away from critiquing political figures he felt were failing the people. His 1974 track “You Haven’t Done Nothin’” was a direct rebuke of President Nixon, released just days before Nixon’s resignation amid the Watergate scandal. Similarly, his 1987 single “Skeletons” was a sharp critique of President Reagan during the Iran/Contra affair.

One of Wonder’s most powerful songs, “Living for the City,” released in 1973, achieved top status on the R&B chart and earned him his second Grammy for best R&B song. The song painted a vivid picture of urban struggles with lines like “her clothes are old/but never are they dirty.”

Wonder’s influence extended beyond music into activism. His 1980 song “Happy Birthday” was instrumental in the movement to make Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s birthday a national holiday. The song demonstrated how music could amplify social causes more effectively than speeches alone.

Furthermore, Wonder’s 1982 collaboration with Paul McCartney, “Ebony and Ivory,” although often seen as polished and sweet, was a sincere call for racial unity and brotherhood.

Throughout his illustrious career, Stevie Wonder has created numerous politically and socially charged songs. Each of these tracks has contributed in some way to the larger dialogue about the issues facing society. His willingness to use his platform for advocacy remains a significant part of his legacy.

Source: Particle News