Stevie Wonder is a much-beloved American icon and an indisputable genius not only of soul and rhythm & blues but popular music in general. Author Steve Lodder tells Wonder's story from a fresh musical perspective concentrating on his most productive period 1971-1981. After an in-depth look at Wonder's background and his early history with Motown Lodder explores in detail the musical characteristics and influences found on the classic albums from the '70s: ÊMusic of My Mind Talking Book Innervisions Fulfillingness' First FinaleÊ and ÊSongs in the Key of LifeÊ. Taking full advantage of the new opportunities afforded by the synthesizer technology and multi-tracking and inspired by the lyrical depth of Marvin Gaye and Sly Stone Wonder created a series of albums as popular as they are acclaimed.