“Not only do we live among the stars, the stars live within us.” ~Neil deGrasse Tyson

According to CNN, “the 56th Annual GRAMMY Awards attracted 28.5 million viewers to CBS.”

At one time, in various places on Earth, the atomic energy of that many people was directed to a variety of flat screen televisions to view some our favorite artists’ finest moments as they collected golden gramophone baubles in recognition of making quality and / or well-liked music.

CNN speculated that perhaps everybody had watched to see a besotted Beyonce or the vintage Beatles or maybe even both. Once I had learned the Master Blaster, Mr. Stevie Wonder would be joining Daft Punk featuring the super talented Pharrell Williams and the legendarily funky Nile Rodgers, I knew I would be happy.  I felt like I had gotten lucky to be able to see Stevie Wonder in his usual rare form join one of today’s hippest groups perform their song, but to also witness the performance of one of the best songs ever written by Mr. Wonder, “Another Star.”

In 1976, he released the quintessential Songs in the Key of Life. Featured on this double album of 17 craftily recorded songs and four bonus tracks, were many of the songs that multiple generations have been able to sing to, including “Another Star.”

On this same album, Stevie Wonder included a song “Isn’t She Lovely”  that he had written for his newly born daughter, Aisha, where she is heard crying.  Since Songs in the Key of Life was released in September of 1976, I like to consider it an ode to me, too.

Following the success of two albums that had already amassed Stevie Wonder star power since 1973, Innervisions and Fulfillingness’ First Finale respectively, Songs in the Key of Life catapulted him into another dimension. Stevie Wonder has consistently been nominated, made appearances, performed, and been a big-time winner at the GRAMMY Awards–he has earned 22! He is more than just another star–he is cosmic delight and humanitarian nutriment!

Most of us don’t know that Mr. Wonder’s convictions towards human rights almost led to his retiring from music; and, he was thinking of moving to Africa to work with disadvantaged youth.  We may never have had Songs in the Key of Life! 

But then the stars aligned.

Stevie Wonder, has contributed his artistry to everything from supporting a federal Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday (his song Happy Birthday is pretty much the only rendition I sing when I wish someone a happy birthday) to famine endeavors (He co-wrote, with Michael Jackson and Lionel Richie, We Are the World).  

From raising AIDS awareness (That’s What Friends are For) to the Anti-Apartheid Movement, from increasing awareness about Domestic Violence (How Come, How Long duet with Babyface) to announcing that he will not perform in Florida because of Florida’s Stand Your Ground Laws, Stevie Wonder has persevered like stars often do because he knows that through his artistry and beyond, he emits light.

I am such a music fan!  Although I wasn’t moved by most of the performances outside of the amazing  Hip Hop artist Kendrick Lamar and the Rock group Imagine Dragons, Daft Punk with Pharrell and Nile Rodgers and the amazing collaboration with Stevie Wonder was worth the entire show! Daft Punk, an electronic music group from France, has obviously meandered through the galaxy and landed on planet Stevie Wonder because millions watched them rock out to his genius and follow in his footsteps by winning the Album of the Year award.  But then again, Stevie Wonder sends all of us into orbit.

He has always elevated artistry to a higher plateau and standard. He supports causes that will change the world and not just boost his album sales.  He makes music that speaks to our intellect, not only to our carnal desires, and he showcases performances that entire families can feel proud to watch.

“For you, there might be another star, but through my eyes” the light of Mr. Stevie Wonder is all I see!

Congratulations to the GRAMMY Awards for its long-standing relationship with Stevie Wonder; he validates this awards show.

The quotes above and below are from Dr. Neil deGrasse Tyson, an African American astrophysicist, cosmologist and author. His voice can be heard narrating Dark Universe. Just as Dr. Tyson believes there is no way to deny the magnitude and magnificence of the Creator’s design, there is equally no way to discount Stevie Wonder as one of the Creator’s best contributions to our Universe.

“We are all connected; To each other, biologically. To the Earth, chemically. To the rest of the universe atomically.” ~Neil Degrasse Tyson