10-09-2024  1:20 pm   •   PDX and SEA Weather

Photo: NNPA
Stacy M. Brown
Published: 20 September 2024

Stevie Wonder has announced that he’s bringing a message of “joy over anger” this fall with his “Sing Your Song! As We Fix Our Nation’s Broken Heart” tour. The 10-show run begins on October 8 in Pittsburgh and concludes on October 30 in Grand Rapids, Michigan. This tour arrives at a crucial junction in American politics, and Wonder said he’s seeking to inspire unity and healing.

Wonder, a 25-time Grammy Award winner, will offer free tickets to individuals working tirelessly in their communities to mend what he calls “our nation’s broken heart.” The gesture aligns with Wonder’s long-standing commitment to social justice and humanitarian causes. In his recent release, “Can We Fix Our Nation’s Broken Heart,” Wonder sings about the country’s current challenges, asking, “Can we fix our nation’s broken heart?” The song reflects the nation’s mood, with lyrics like, “Children marching on the boulevard / Tears are streaming down their face,” encapsulating the tension and hope for change.

Tickets for the tour go on sale Friday, September 20, at noon local time, available through StevieWonderLive.com.

The Wonder Productions-led tour, which AEG Presents is promoting in collaboration with Free Lunch, will visit cities such as New York, Philadelphia, Baltimore, Greensboro, Atlanta, Detroit, Milwaukee, and Minneapolis.

Wonder’s impact on music and culture remains unquestionably profound. At just 12 years old, he became the youngest artist to top the charts with “Fingertips, Part 2,” simultaneously reaching #1 on Billboard’s Hot 100, R&B Singles, and Album Charts. Over his illustrious career, Wonder has released numerous iconic albums, including “Songs in the Key of Life,” which is preserved in the National Recording Registry of the Library of Congress for its cultural, historical, and aesthetic significance. With 49 Top Forty singles and 32 #1 hits, Wonder’s worldwide sales have surpassed 100 million units.

Beyond his musical achievements, Wonder is known for his activism and philanthropy. In 1983, he played a pivotal role in establishing Martin Luther King Day as a national holiday, with his song “Happy Birthday” serving as an anthem for the movement. His participation in the 1985 “We Are The World” fundraiser for hunger in Africa is a landmark moment in music history, and his efforts to end apartheid in South Africa are legendary. Wonder has been recognized with numerous honors, including the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the Kennedy Center Honors, and a U.N. Messenger of Peace designation focusing on persons with disabilities.

As Wonder embarks on this tour, he continues to be a vital influence in both the music industry and global activism, using his platform to advocate for social progress and world harmony. With his call for “joy over anger,” Wonder said he’s inviting audiences to join him in “seeking healing and unity during these challenging times.”

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