Smothered & Covered: Stevie Wonder

August 8, 2012 No comments yet

MJF’s Smothered & Covered is back and bigger than ever! Today’s edition is a megapost dedicated to none other than the multi-talented Stevie Wonder.

With over twenty Grammy’s, countless Billboard hits, and a career that dates back to the early 60s, Stevie’s impact in music is undeniable; and most artists only dream of having a career as storied as his. It is unsurprising, then, that the musical heavyweight has found himself a hot topic not only for his own contributions, but also for those of other artists. Indeed, Stevie’s influence spans multiple generations, and his work has often been the subject of various covers over the years. So without further ado, take some time to appreciate some phenomenal covers of Stevie’s greatest hits.

Michael McDonald – “Signed, Sealed, Delivered”

Luther Vandross – “Knocks Me Off My Feet”

Paris Bennett – “All I Do” (American Idol 5)

Jodeci – “Lately”

Stevie Wonder’s reach goes beyond just covers. On the contrary, the beloved musician’s arrangements have also served as the base (sometimes unknowingly) for some of music’s contemporary hits. Check out some of these noted samples.

BJ The Chicago Kid ft. Kendrick Lamar – “The World Is A Ghetto” (samples “Higher Ground”)

Ol’ Dirty Bastard – “Shimmy Shimmy Ya” (samples “Ribbon In The Sky”)

Ja Rule – “Livin’ It Up” ft. Case (samples “Do I Do”)

Kwame – “Hai Love” (samples “Hey Love”)

Cassie – “Just One Nite” (samples “If It’s Magic”)

Of course this list wouldn’t be complete without…

Will Smith – “Wild Wild West” ft. Dru Hill & Kool Moe Dee (samples “I Wish”)

What covers and samples are your favorite? What other songs should be included?