Song of the Day-Hey Harmonica Man

In March of 1972, when Stevie Wonder was 21, he released the "Music Of My Mind" lp, a followup to the previous years "Where I'm Coming From" album. These where Stevie's first two releases after emancipating himself from the juvenile contract he had signed with Motown. He resigned with Motown, where he was most comfortable, and kicked off a series of album releases culminating in 1976's double "Songs In The Key of Life." During that period of time, one incredible release followed another, with Stevie being matched perhaps only by the run that the Beatles kicked off with "Rubber Soul" in terms of success, creativity and influence. When Paul Simon won his numerous Grammies for "Still Crazy After All These Years" he famously thanked Stevie Wonder for not releasing an album that year.

But there was a time, after "Fingertips Pt 2" and before "Uptight" when Motown brass looked at Stevie with a "what are we gonna do with this kid?" attitude. At a young age, "Little" Stevie Wonder was a massively talented, multi-instrumentalist with virtuoso harmonica ability. For a label who easily produced hits on the Supremes, Temptations, Four Tops et. al. they struggled to find success, or even a consistent sound, for Stevie. According to the excellent Motown Blog, "Motown Junkies" the records often had a "look at this blind can. He can sing and play the harmonica. Often quite well. Have we mentioned he's only 14. Gather round everyone and have a good gawp." 

"Hey Harmonica Man" is not a great record. Stevie has disavowed his pre-21 output for the most part and has singled out this record as especially embarrassing. His voice appears to be breaking like he has just reached puberty. While the Harmonica playing is fine throughout, the lyrics are, well, not great. It has energy, and a groove, but then those Motown Session cats could put a groove behind anything. It only reached number 29 on the pop charts which, for Berry Gordy, was unacceptable. There was talk of eating Stevie's contract and cutting him loose from the label. The record that changed everything for Stevie, "Uptight(Everything's Alright)" was two years away. The jump from sides like these to what he would produce in 2 years time is like the scene in Star Wars where the Millenium Falcon jumps to hyper drive. Give it a listen.