Cranking Up Stevie Wonder: His Musical Legacy in 11 Songs

The first entrant in Backbeat Books’ new “Goes to 11” series, this fun and informative book explores Stevie Wonder’s place in pop music history through eleven of his most important songs. Track by track, author Arthur Lizie provides a telescopic look at each star in a brilliant, funky constellation, giving the backstory of every song along with an explanation of the musical and cultural environment into which it was released. Together they form a composite picture of an artist who is a veritable pop vortex: an artist among artists, continually drawing in and disseminating musical influence. The songs included here are fan favorites illuminating the whole of Stevie’s career, from his Motown days to his transition to R&B and social activism: “Fingertips” “Alfie” “Signed, Sealed, Delivered I’m Yours” “Do Yourself a Favor” “Superstition” “Jesus Children of America” “Boogie on Reggae Woman” “Sir Duke” “Happy Birthday” “I Just Called to Say I Love You” “So What the Fuss”