Wonder talks about tour, support for Obama
But wait, it's not what you think.
Wonder is trying to show a reporter how the device helps him "see" written documents; moments later, the blind superstar reveals how the camera takes photos of text, converts it to audio and reads the words aloud, and instantly has wowed his audience of one.
But Wonder doesn't need to rely on technology to amaze: Now on a nationwide tour, all he needs to do is open his mouth and start singing some of his classic hits: "Superstitious," "I Wish," "As," "My Cherie Amour" — and he gets a crowd into a frenzy. Actually, just his appearance on stage is usually enough: His icon status is enough to leave an audience in awe.
In person, Wonder, 58, comes off more like your friendly uncle than a legendary musical figure: He cracks jokes, tells stories, and opines about politics and world peace. Here's a sampling of what Wonder had to say when he spoke recently with The Associated Press.
AP: Before you started touring last fall, your last full-fledged tour was in 1996. Why did you decide to get back on the road?
AP: You are a supporter of Barack Obama. One refrain from a lot of people is that they never thought they'd see a day where there was a tangible possibility of a black president. Did you feel that way too or did you think that it could happen someday in your lifetime?
Wonder: Of course I did. I always felt: Why not? What's the big deal? Someday there will be a Latino president and an Asian president and a Jewish president. We can't talk about those things and then not be. The Lord that I serve says the impossible is unacceptable. If we can fly to Mars and have many trips to the moon ... will find the cure to cancer. I just feel that we need to use more of our power for the goodness. ... We are in a battle for good and evil. You've got to take a position. My focus is not just because he is an African-American ... but his spirit is one of being kind of free.
AP: If Obama is elected president, are you angling to perform at the inauguration?
Wonder: I'm just excited. Obviously if I'm invited to be there it's an honor, but I didn't do all of that to get a pat on the back. ... I'm just excited about it. It's time for America and the world to grow up and grow into the right now and stop the B.S., and B.S. stands for breaking the spirit.
Recent comments
Just sing Stevie, just sing.
No Funny Girl | June 29, 2008 at 6:21 p.m.
