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Motown legend Stevie Wonder capped off his "Songs In The Key Of Life" tour, which reviewed the hit 1976 album in its entirety, earlier this year. At 65 he is still touring as one of the most influential singers and songwriters of the 20th century. This isn’t the first time Wonder has included the Amphitheater in his line-up of tour cities – the most recent time was in 2009 – and hopefully it won’t be the last.
The night brought "My Cherie Amour," "Signed Sealed Delivered," "Superstition," "Sir Duke" and more that had the crowd singing some of their – and my – favorite lyrics. The hits kept coming all night long – that only a legend could do.
He also paid tribute to another great legend BB King with "The Thrill is Gone" and shared some personal memories he had of the late blues icon, such as when they were on a plane together and Wonder asked if King could fly the plane.
Seeing a legend like Stevie Wonder is amazing in itself, but his message of love is one that I will never tire of hearing. He spoke of the hate in our country – and that it’s OK to say how you feel about things but when it’s coming from a place of hate it is wrong.
He noted that "hate is a bunch of bullshit" and launched into "I Just Called To Say I Love You," with the crowd loudly singing along. He is a genuine soul – you can truly feel that – and one can only hope Wonder continues to bring love in this world.
The banter between Wonder and his backup singers was infectious and he dueled it out lyrically with them one by one – as well as the crowd – after "Knocks Me Off My Feets." He joked he had money on the crowd in the sing-off and we did better than the beginning of the show. The backup singers broke into "Hold Onto Your Love" from En Vogue to end their duel and those ladies – and one gentleman – can hold their own even without one of the kings of soul.
The encore started out with crowd favorite "You Are The Sunshine of My Life" and then pumped the crowd asking if we were ready. Wonder shared his sadness again on those we’ve lost during the intro to "The Way You Make Me Feel" – a tribute to yet another lost icon Michael Jackson – and shared that we must indeed change the world and make it a better place.
Wonder was joined on stage by none other than Milwaukee’s own leader, Mayor Tom Barrett. Mayor Barrett danced alongside to Wonder – albeit a bit awkwardly – as well as sang along with crowd that was "jammin in Milwaukee." It's a good thing Barrett was up on stage dancing – the crowd for this show mainly was sitting (not a compliment to you, Milwaukee) which was a sad thing as this was a show you could sing and dance to for most of the night.
That time @MayorOfMKE did the white dad shuffle behind Stevie Wonder for an entire song pic.twitter.com/92wbZ2ObUz
— Khaotic Logic (@Khaotic_Logic) June 28, 2015
Wonder then asked Mayor Barrett if they could plan another show to benefit his House of Toys in Milwaukee this year or next – to which the crowd cheered loudly and got the full approval of the Mayor with his thumbs up.
Wonder told Barrett "let’s not talk about it, let’s be about it," – some words we should all live by.
Carolynn Buser is one of Milwaukee's loudest and most adamant cheerleaders (don't dare try to disagree). She's the primary voice behind much of OnMilwaukee's social media and content direction, and apologizes in advance if she can be too sarcastic at times.
What else? She's a wine lover, closet trashy novel reader, beauty supplies addict and devourer of cheese (shocker for a Wisconsin born and bred girl, right?). She's also a bit of a foodie, which is a word most of you hate, we know. She works as hard as she plays - and that includes in the gym! So, you've probably seen her at one of the area's newest restaurant openings (and yes, she will share her opinions good or bad) or enjoying a cold one at a local pub.
All in all, Carolynn's a believer in positive thinking and will do her best to smack down your negative ones while writing about her city, her loves, quests and more.
