Stevie Wonder Changed My Life

As a kid, not a lot could hold my attention for long. I would get bored of one thing very easily, then move on to the next one. No toy or book could hold down my attention. That would probably explain why, at any given time, my room was a mess. There would be every toy I owned scattered across the floor. I loved music, but even most music could only hold my attention for a short amount of time before I’d want to be doing something else. Why I didn’t think I could listen to music while doing other things, I’m not really sure now. But then came along a musician that captivated me, soul and mind, completely: Stevie Wonder.

His voice, his ability to play piano. It spoke to my soul on such a deep level, one that I honestly probably didn’t even realize at the time. What I didn’t know then is how much it would change who I am as a person, and as a musician. Stevie Wonder is why I became a musician. The way he can take you to a completely different plane of existence just by his music. I wanted to be able to do that, too. I wanted to be just like Stevie. I wanted to sing and play piano as flawlessly as he does.

I remember the very first time I heard his music. I was laying on the couch in my childhood living room, and my dad had one of his CDs playing. The song was ‘For Once In My Life’, and looking back, I think that really says a lot. Of course the song is talking about love, but for me, for once in my life, I could finally just sit and do the same thing for hours. I don’t think it would have honestly mattered what song it was, all of his songs are captivating. I just think it’s funny how fitting it is.

As I got older, I needed to learn everything I could about Stevie Wonder. I needed to know more about this great man that changed my life. When I found out he is actually blind, I was perplexed. At the time, I didn’t realize how much you could still do even if you didn’t have all your senses. I’ve since learned from experience, as I myself am starting to go deaf and I still continue to play music. At the time however, I couldn’t even imagine trying to do something like play piano without being able to actually see it. That sounds really silly to me now, because of course you don’t need to be able to see the piano in order to be able to play it.

Ever since the first time I heard ‘For Once In My Life’ laying there on the couch, my biggest life dream has been to meet Stevie Wonder. I want to be able to thank him for how much he’s influenced me and how he changed my life forever. I will always love and appreciate what Stevie Wonder did for me that day laying on the couch, and every day since that one. Thank you, Stevie Wonder.

Now, just for fun, he’s my top five favourite songs from Stevie Wonder:

For Once In My Life - Of course the first song I heard is still my favourite. It’s what changed everything for me.

Signed, Sealed, Delivered (I’m Yours) - I always just wanted to get up and dance whenever I hear this song.

Superstition - I know this is probably the one song of his everyone knows, but it’s honestly just a really good song.

I Just Called To Say I Love You - I think this one is just really beautiful.

Isn’t She Lovely - I mean, doesn’t everyone love this song?