Stevie Wonder Says Music Will Remain His Lifelong Calling

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At 75 years old, legendary musician Stevie Wonder remains a powerful force in the music world, insisting he has no plans to retire and will continue performing for as long as he lives. His recent United Kingdom tour drew widespread praise, proving that his passion and talent remain as strong as ever.

While many of his peers are scaling back their public appearances, Wonder told the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) podcast Sidetracked that stepping away from music is not an option for him. “As long as you breathe, for as long as your heart beats, there’s more for you to do,” Wonder stated. He emphasized that the creative drive within him continues to flow, comparing it to an artist who never stops drawing.

Wonder also confirmed he is still working on a long-anticipated studio album titled Through The Eyes Of Wonder, first mentioned in 2008. The project is expected to reflect his experiences living with blindness and would mark his first studio release since A Time To Love in 2005. His recording career began in 1962 at just 11 years old, making his continued relevance and energy in the industry all the more remarkable.

Speaking to Sidetracked host Annie Macmanus on the eve of his headline performance at London’s BST festival, Wonder delivered a two-and-a-half-hour set filled with hits like Superstition, Isn’t She Lovely, and You Are The Sunshine of My Life. Much of the performance focused on his acclaimed output from the 1970s, a period that earned him three consecutive Grammy Awards for Best Album, including for Innervisions and Songs in the Key of Life.

Addressing an old conspiracy theory during a concert in Cardiff, Wonder reaffirmed that he has been blind since shortly after birth. Calling it a blessing, he told the audience that his lack of sight has enabled him to view the world with clarity and truth, rather than distraction. “It’s allowed me to see the world in the vision of truth,” he said.

In addition to his music, Wonder remains committed to social causes. A longstanding advocate for civil rights, he played a key role in pushing for Martin Luther King Jr. Day to become a federal holiday in the United States. Speaking on the current cultural and political landscape, he warned against forces attempting to reverse social progress, stating, “It’s not gonna go down like that,” and adding that history has a way of waking people up when needed.

Through his music and message, Stevie Wonder continues to inspire, reminding audiences that creativity and purpose don’t fade with age; they evolve with experience.