Popular music has always been an escapist art form, but in 1974, it went extra soft. Olivia Newton-John’s teary, chart-topping “I Honestly Love You” would go on to be the Grammys’ record of the year, and 1974’s other number-ones, were, for the most part, easy listening, from Jim Croce’s “Time in a Bottle” to Helen Reddy’s “Angie Baby.”
The then-24-year-old Wonder, though, did what few other superstars of the era had been willing – or interested – in doing in a single aimed at the top of the charts. He didn’t just criticize the system in this anti-establishment protest song; he raged against the machine and thoroughly annihilated it.
It’s impossible to overstate how revolutionary this was at the time. Wonder wasn’t just painting a portrait of a world on fire, as he had done in 1973’s “Living for the City” or as Marvin Gaye had done in “Inner City Blues .” He wasn’t selling hope and unity the way Sly and the Family Stone had done in “Everyday People” or the way The O’Jays had done in “Love Train.” He was smashing the system, directly calling out political leaders for screwing things up.
“Richard Nixon,” it seemed to be saying, “this one’s for you.” wafflesaregood8
“Richard Nixon,” it seemed to be saying, “this one’s for you.” wafflesaregood8
“Richard Nixon,” it seemed to be saying, “this one’s for you.” wafflesaregood8
HighSierraMan I'd be happy to see statues of Stevie Wonder popping up in key cities such as Detroit and Los Angeles. He's always been here in our lives, always a genius, innovative, powerful, joyous music, packed with heart and soul. He turned 70 last year btw.