Stevie Wonder’s Unseen Hits: Co-Writing and Collaborations

Stevie Wonder, one of the most celebrated musicians in the history of music, has not only created numerous hits under his own name but has also penned several chart-topping tracks for other artists. This article explores his extensive contributions as a co-writer and collaborator, showcasing some of the lesser-known factoids that highlight his influence on the music industry.

Stevie Wonder as a Co-Writer

Stevie Wonder's reputation as a versatile musician and a master of his craft is well-established. However, his contributions extend beyond his solo songs; he has co-written or written entire tracks for various artists, resulting in hit songs that have become fixtures in pop culture. His songwriting talent has played a pivotal role in the success of several of his contemporaries and later artists.

Songs Co-Written for Other Artists

Here is a comprehensive list of some of the hits that Stevie Wonder co-wrote or wrote for other artists:

The Detroit Spinners

"It's A Shame"

Art Garfunkel

"I Believe When I Fall In Love It Will Be Forever"

The Four Tops

"Loving You Is Sweeter Than Ever"

George Michael

"As"

Aretha Franklin

"Until You Come Back to Me (That’s What I’m Gonna Do)"

Michael Jackson

"I Can’t Help It"

Rudy Grant

"Lately"

Jeff Beck

"Superstition"

Syreeta

"Your Kiss Is Sweet (1974)"

"Cause We Ended as Lovers"

"Cause We Engaged as Lovers", by Stevie Wonder (recorded by Beck, Bogert, and Appice)

Additional Contributions and Collaborations

Stevie Wonder's contributions extend to many other artists and songs:

The Jackson Five

"I Don’t Know Why I Love You"

This song became a huge hit for The Jackson Five and showcased Wonder's influence even from the early days of the group's career. The song was originally written for Minnie Riperton but was later used by The Jackson Five to significant chart success.

Minnie Riperton

"Perfect Angel"

Stevie Wonder wrote "Perfect Angel" expressly for Minnie Riperton. The song became a number one hit from her debut album, further highlighting Wonder's talent as a co-writer and his ability to craft timeless hits for multiple artists.

Other Influences

Stevie Wonder has also had a profound influence on other artists through his songs. For instance, his famous song "Superstition" was co-written for Jeff Beck, and Beck later recorded it, which became a hit in its own right. Wonder's contributions have often resulted in both an original version and subsequent renditions by other artists, further cementing his legacy in the music industry.

In conclusion, Stevie Wonder's contributions as a co-writer and collaborator extend far beyond his solo work. His deliberate efforts to craft hit songs for other artists have left an indelible mark on the music landscape. His ability to write and produce hits for diverse artists showcases his versatility, musical genius, and the profound impact he has had on the world of music.