NEW YORK (Hollywood Reporter) - Making a sentimental return to a venue he first appeared in decades ago, Stevie Wonder hosted an evening of music and education Thursday at the Apollo Theater.
Designed to promote awareness of the upcoming expiration of the Voting Rights Act (signed into law some 40 years ago) and the urgent need for its renewal, the show found the gregarious performer serving alternately as host, educator and, not so incidentally, featured performer.
Aware that the capacity audience might become restless during the lengthy proceedings, Wonder began the evening by informing them that "I've invited you to be in my house" and advising them "to not be rude, to chill."
The warning was unnecessary as the crowd sat patiently through Wonder's lengthy introductions, speeches by local politicians and excerpts from a documentary film about the civil rights movement. There also were musical performances by several guest artists, including Chuck Jackson, singing his classic hit "Any Day Now," and Richie Havens, delivering passionate versions of such songs as "Freedom" and, at Wonder's urging, "Here Comes the Sun." Wonder held the microphone to Havens' lips during the latter number, cracking, "The only other person I'd do this for is Beyonce." More>>>
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posted by ADMIN @ Monday, August 15, 2005
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