![]() But for 13 years, the bill languished, facing opposition from southern Democrats and conservative Republicans. But in fact, the global superstar's artistry and political activism were intertwined throughout his career, even before the MLK Day drive, as he repeatedly called attention to social issues of mid-century America.Īfter Dr King's assassination in April 1968, US Representative John Conyers Jr from Detroit, Michigan, and Wonder's congressman, introduced a bill to make the activist's birthday a federal holiday. Many today might be surprised to realise the instrumental role Stevie Wonder played in getting the legislation passed. This year marks the 40th anniversary of US President Ronald Reagan signing into law the bill that established Martin Luther King Day. For three years Wonder put his life on hold and dedicated tours, rallies and marches to bring his vision to life – a quest that would establish the first holiday in the US that honoured a black American. ![]() The 1980 song had represented the start of Wonder's campaign to make the birthday of renowned peace activist, Martin Luther King Jr, into a federal holiday. "I just never understood/ How a man who died for good/ Could not have a day that would/ Be set aside for his recognition," they sang, electrifying the crowd. The 50,000-strong audience chanted: "Martin Luther King Day, we took a holiday," according to Scott-Heron’s 2012 memoir, The Last Holiday, as the stars began to sing Wonder's hit song, Happy Birthday, a tribute to the murdered civil rights leader. Holland-Dozier-Holland indie rock Jackson 5 Jam bands James Brown Jay-Z jazz Jimi Hendrix Joel Francis Joe Strummer John Coltrane John Lennon Johnny Cash Kansas City Kanye West Louis Armstrong Marvin Gaye Michael Jackson Miles Davis Motown music Neil Young Norman Whitfield Paul McCartney Peter Gabriel Pink Floyd Prince Public Enemy punk punk music R.E.M.On 15 January 1981, music legends Diana Ross and Gladys Knight, along with the "godfather of rap", Gil Scott-Heron, joined renowned musician Stevie Wonder on stage at the National Mall in Washington, DC. Search for: Archives Archives Tags: alt-country Americana Back To Rockville Beatles Berry Gordy blues music Bob Dylan Bob Marley Brian Eno Bruce Springsteen country music David Ruffin Diana Ross Elvis Costello Elvis Presley Flaming Lips folk music Four Tops Funk Brothers George Clinton George Harrison Gladys Knight hip hop Hitsville U.S.A. Then again, more people are probably familiar with “Higher Ground.” And Stevie Wonder never met my dad. In a day rife with symbolism and historic importance, the significance of performing “Happy Birthday” would have been amazing. It was a touch disappointing to watch Wonder elect to perform “Higher Ground” at the “We Are One” concert that took place on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C. Wonder also understands that birthdays are about parties, so his homage to King is as much a celebration of life as a remembrance. The synthesizers and drums may be dated, but the lyrics and sentiment capture the hope and love as well as U2’s more famous tribute. The grim photos – which include depictions white police officers attacking black protesters – stand in contrast to the buoyant melody of the song. Wonder’s essay is accompanied by photos of King and the Civil Rights movement. We in the United States must not forget either his supreme sacrifice or that dream.” We still have a long road to travel until we reach the world that was his dream. ![]() He showed us, non-violently, a better way of life, a way of mutual respect, helping us to avoid much bitter confrontation and inevitable bloodshed. Martin Luther King was a man who had that strength. For nearly two thousand years now we have been striving to have the strength to follow that example. Jesus Christ by his own example showed us that there is no greater love. “It is believed that for a man to lay down his life for the love of others is the supreme sacrifice. Wonder performed the song at the Rally For Peace press conference in 1981, and wrote an essay about King that appeared on the album liner sleeve. The song was a rallying point in the fight to establish King’s birthday as a holiday. King’s birthday was not a national holiday when Wonder penned this tribute. Stevie Wonder’s “Happy Birthday” is the perfect salute to these days, but it means even more this year, on the eve of Barack Obama’s inauguration. Most of the time, the extra day off works means we celebrate a bit longer. Every few years, the calendar aligns so that my dad’s birthday lands on Martin Luther King Day.
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