Hello, Sampl’d readers!
This week I will be covering songs that sample the incomparable Mr. Stevie Wonder. But, of course, I could create a separate blog forum about the musical genius this man possesses. Despite his visual disability, Stevie was an advanced musician by eight. He became fluent in playing the piano, organ, drums, and that infamous harmonica. In addition, Stevie is an impeccable writer, aside from being an astute vocalist and musician. Aside from writing his hits, he also wrote for many other legendary artists, including The Supremes, Marvin Gaye, Minnie Ripperton, The Temptations, Dionne Warwick, and Diana Ross.
This living legend’s accolades include but are not limited to:
- 1989 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame recipient
- 1999 Polar Music Prize for lifetime achievement by the Royal Swedish Academy of Music AND Kennedy Center honoree
- 2005 Lifetime achievement Grammy Award recipient
- 2009 Gershwin Prize for Popular Song from the Library of Congress
- 2014 Presidential Medal of Freedom recipient
I am going to delve right into the samples! You’ll notice that many of the tracks I’ve alluded to are recorded in the past decade or so. I decided to highlight and emphasize how heavily his music (some recorded 50 years ago) still impacts the music industry today.
- Living for the City (1973)
Usher: ‘Lil freak ft. Nicki Minaj (2010)
2. Love’s In Need Of Love Today (1976)
Usher: Smile ft. Gloria Carter (2017)
3. Ribbon in the Sky (1982)
Will Smith: Chasing Forever (1997)
As always, you can head over to the Sampl’d Instagram page to hear the bonus grabs! https://www.instagram.com/sampld2022/