Stevie Wonder spoke with emotion about Michael Jackson, saying that his music “will last forever, much longer than any of us will live.” A statement that confirms the timeless power of true musical legends
Stevie Wonder, one of the greatest creators of soul and pop, spoke with deep emotion about Michael Jackson, revealing that he believes his music “will last forever, much longer than any of us will live.” A phrase that sums up not only the relationship between the two musical legends, but also how true art transcends time, scandals, and human frailty.
Stevie Wonder needs no introduction. From his Motown days to the era of iconic records like Songs in the Key of Life and Talking Book, managed to combine melody with social message, giving voice to an entire generation. Michael Jackson, on the other hand, was born into this tradition and took it to new heights, taking soul and R&B to entirely new levels. Their paths may have been different, but their vision was the same: to create music that knew no boundaries.
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In a recent interview, Stevie Wonder spoke about his friendship with Jackson and the moment he learned of his death, saying:
"The closest I've ever felt before was when John Lennon died. I couldn't believe it. The only comfort I have is that we have his voice and his music. They will last forever, much longer than any of us will live. Let's celebrate his life."
His statement went around the world, because it came from an artist who knows well what “eternal music” means. Wonder, who throughout his career has spoken of love, humanity and hope, sees Michael Jackson not only as the “king of pop”, but also as a creator who managed to touch millions of people with songs that even today sound fresh, vibrant and chillingly relevant.
From Off the Wall until Thriller, every Jackson album was a musical revolution. Wonder remembers how Michael, once he took control of his career, transformed his childhood talent into artistic maturity. “I knew this kid was going to be a legend,” Stevie once said. “He had that spark you can’t teach; the flame that’s born with you.”
The two had collaborated and shared stages together. Jackson deeply admired Wonder, and Wonder saw Jackson as a continuation of the legacy of the Motown greats. In the 80s, when Jackson was dominating with the Thriller, Stevie Wonder declared that “Michael does what we all want to do — he makes music live.”
Even though times have changed, their songs live on. For Wonder, Jackson's worth is not measured by numbers, sales or awards, but by the way he made people feel. Whether it's the freshness of "Don't Stop 'Til You Get Enough," the simplicity and love of "Human Nature," or the social message of "Man in the Mirror," Jackson's music was and remains a universal language.
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Stevie Wonder also remembers the moment he learned of Michael's death in 2009: "I felt like we lost something bigger than an artist. We lost a link to the soul of music." Despite his grief, he insists that all that matters is celebrating life and creation. "Music is proof that the soul doesn't die," he said.
Although they both came from different eras, they were connected by the same philosophy: that music can change the world. Wonder grew up listening to gospel and jazz; Jackson grew up with the rhythm of Motown. Both managed to unite generations. From “Superstition” to “Billie Jean,” their melodies continue to teach what “classic” means.
Stevie Wonder's love for Michael Jackson It's not just nostalgia. It's recognition of the greatness of an artist who never limited himself. As he said, "Michael didn't just write songs; he wrote feelings." And those feelings remain indelible in every person who dances, sings or simply smiles when they hear one of his songs.
Today, decades later, Wonder's phrase "his music will outlive all of us" rings truer than ever. Every time "Beat It" or "The Way You Make Me Feel" plays on the radio, every time a child learns the steps to "Thriller" for the first time, Stevie Wonder's promise is fulfilled all over again.
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Michael Jackson’s legacy remains indelible. And through the words of Stevie Wonder, he reminds us that music is not just art; it is the most powerful imprint of the soul. “Let’s celebrate his life,” Stevie said. And indeed — every time we hear Michael’s voice, life celebrates.
