Stevie Wonder

2023 - 2 - 5

Post cover — Image courtesy of "Rolling Stone"

Stevie Wonder, Smokey Robinson, Chris Stapleton Perform at ... (Rolling Stone)

Stevie Wonder, Smokey Robinson, and Chris Stapleton joined forces for a special performance at the 2023 Grammy Awards.

[nominated](https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/grammy-nominations-2023-beyonce-kendrick-lamar-adele-1234631021/) for just one Grammy this year, Best Country Song for “I’ll Love You Till the Day I Die,” a collaboration with Willie Nelson. [honored as a 2023 MusiCares Person of the Year](https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/smokey-robinson-berry-gordy-musicares-2023-persons-of-the-year-1234615234/), along with Motown founder Berry Gordy. They jammed towards the end, with Stapleton shredding on guitar, as everyone from Shania Twain to Chris Martin danced in the audience. Introduced by Billy Crystal — who gave a shoutout to his legendary producer uncle, Milt Gabler — Wonder took the stage. The pair were fêted with a special tribute concert on Friday, Feb. [Stevie Wonder](https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-lists/stevie-wonder-album-guide-702519/) linked up with fellow Motown legend [Smokey Robinson](https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-features/motown-stories-smokey-robinson-1096473/) and country star [Chris Stapleton](https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-country/chris-stapleton-all-american-road-show-tour-dates-2-1234672659/) for a special performance at the [Grammy Awards](https://www.rollingstone.com/t/grammy-awards/).

Stevie Wonder Sings Motown Medley at 2023 Grammys (Billboard)

Kicking it off with The Temptations' “The Way You Do the Things You Do,” Wonder grooved his way through a slick performance of the classic track while backed up ...

Performing his iconic single “Tears of a Clown,” Robinson got the crowd to its feet as he duetted alongside Wonder to his soulful hit. [ Smokey Robinson](http://billboard.com/artist/smokey-robinson) as 2023’s MusiCares persons of the year, Wonder launched into a rollicking, Motown-inspried medley. 5).

Grammys 2023: Watch Stevie Wonder Lead Motown Tribute With ... (Stereogum)

Later, Wonder took over, and with an assist from Chris Stapleton, performed his 1973 classic “Higher Ground.” Watch footage of the crew's performance below.

[Person Of The Year gala](https://www.stereogum.com/2212732/watch-brandi-carlile-dionne-warwick-chloe-x-halle-and-more-sing-motown-hits-at-musicares-gala/news/), where Motown legends Smokey Robinson (who recently announced his first new album in almost a decade, [Gasms](https://www.stereogum.com/2212074/smokey-robinson-new-album-gasms/music/)) and Motown Records founder Berry Gordy were honored. Led by Stevie Wonder, who sang the Temptations’ “The Way You Do The Things You Do,” Smokey himself took the stage to perform “Tears Of A Clown.” Then, on Sunday night, the 2023 Grammys recreated the experience by throwing a little Motown performance live at the Crypto.com Arena.

Grammys 2023: Stevie Wonder's Grammy performance (Deseret News)

2023 Grammys awards: Stevie Wonder performed on Sunday at the 65th annual Grammys awards. Wonder is a big-time Grammys winner.

Madisen Keavy said, “Volume wayyy up for Smokey Robison and Stevie Wonder.” “Wonder will finish off this special performance — drawn from the 2023 MusiCares Persons Of The Year Gala — with his hit “Higher Ground,” from his classic 1973 album ‘Innervisions’.” Wonder is a big-time Grammys winner.

Stevie Wonder, Smokey Robinson and WanMor Bring Motown Hits ... (Okayplayer)

During the 65th Annual Grammy Awards, Stevie Wonder, Smokey Robinson, Chris Stapleton and WanMor honored Motown Records. Stevie Wonder, Smokey Robinson, ...

During the MusiCares event, performers for the Motown tribute included Wonder, Lionel Richie, John Legend, Dionne Warwick, Chloe x Halle, Jimmie Allen and more. The King of All Music Stevie Wonder jamming with Chris Stapleton was A MOMENT. “But this one is really the most special to me because I’m getting this award with my very best friend in the world. 10s across the board. On Friday (January 3), Motown founder Berry Gordy was honored during the MusiCares Persons of the Year gala, followed on Sunday with a Motown-dedicated segment at Los Angeles’ Crypto.com Arena. Wonder opened “The Way You Do The Things You Do,” accompanied by WanMor, who are all the sons of Boyz II Men member Wanya Morris.

Grammys 2023: Stevie Wonder enlists Chris Stapleton for 'Higher ... (The Tennessean)

Motown legend Stevie Wonder and country powerhouse Chris Stapleton performed Sunday night on the Grammy stage in Los Angeles.

The performance came as part of a Motown medley that included "The Way You Do The Things You Do," and "The Tears of a Clown" alongside sharp-dressed icon Smokey Robinson. The two sang "Higher Ground" together with Wonder behind the keyboard and Stapleton on guitar. The singers swapped verses and shared the time-tested chorus during a fiery performance that sent a crowd of peers and admirers howling from the first note onward.