Apparently today (13th) is the birthday of Stevie Wonder.
Why that is significant to me is that I do not believe there is a more influential musician in my life. I got into loving music big time primarily through the gospel music my Mum played in the home. Then I had a passing phase with the ‘music’ that was on Top of the Pops back in the day (late ’80’s to early 90’s).
It was The Beatles that really got me deep into music. Not just listening to their music, but also reading up on them voraciously. That phase lasted for a good while and even now I appreciate some of the music they made and have a passing interest in what happens to Paul McCartney.
It was Stevie Wonder, though that really got me loving his stuff in a major way. I recall it was just before university and I had a few tapes of his music – but it wasn’t touching the real gems in his discography. As soon as I discovered the independence of university living and the unlimited cash at my disposal (well it was unlimited until the limit came on!) I splurged on Stevie Wonder albums. I might have wasted my money on lots of things in the university years, but I didn’t on those Stevie Wonder albums. Great purchases.
Why am I saying all this? Well if I didn’t know it before with the football, Stevie Wonder highlighted again that I have an inclination towards getting into things deeply. Getting into it to such a degree that I’m happy to rattle on and on about the subject for a considerable period of time. I knew God had a problem with my worship of football – so I put that in perspective … eventually. The thing about Stevie Wonder was it didn’t become obsessive – it was not to the detriment of my first love being Jesus. Indeed some of the music of Stevie Wonder taught me the great lesson that superb truths can indeed be discovered even in the seemingly most unlikely places. (Check out this track in particular which is as good as a prophetic piece as you’ll find in any Christian circle.)
As people celebrate the man and his extensive gifts on earth, I celebrate someone who helped to reinforce how all of life is a spiritual affair. I give God thanks for a man whose music continues to bring a smile to my face and a ray of sunshine in my heart.
Now I wonder what kind of tune would be appropriate for a time like this …
For His Name’s Sake
Shalom
C. L. J. Dryden
Life With CD 