3 Songs Written but Not Originally Performed by Stevie Wonder

The Saginaw, Michigan-born Stevie Wonder signed to the Motown record label when he was just 11 years old. From there, he redefined the R&B genre and wrote hit songs, hit records, and had hit decades. He is one of the most beloved and influential songwriters and performers of the past 100 years. And he did it all without the use of his sight.

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But not only did Wonder create amazing, lasting songs for himself. He also did so for other big-name artists. Here below, we wanted to explore three such examples. A trio of tracks written or co-written by Wonder that went to other big name artists. Indeed, these are three songs written but not originally performed by Stevie Wonder.

[RELATED: Top 10 Stevie Wonder Songs]

“Moments Aren’t Moments” by Dionne Warwick from Friends (1985)

A dreamy, fantastical, loving song, this track was written by Stevie Wonder for iconic singer Dionne Warwick’s 1985 LP Friends. On it, Warwick sings with poise and adoration. It almost sounds like a song befitting the holiday season. But it’s a romantic track for all times of year. If you listen closely, you can almost hear Stevie behind Dionne singing along; it bears his cadence and touch. And on the tune, Warwick sings,

Tender, warm and serene
Are the words that might come close to having
Remnants of the feelings that we can no longer hide
Mighty, shining and clear
Are but mere expressions that don’t come near
To the ever glowing eminence of light in our eyes tonight

‘Cause moments aren’t moments
Until they are moments like this magic moment of ours
And magic’s not magic
Until it is magic like magical love in our hearts
Feeling with tender love-bloom

“I Can’t Help It” by Michael Jackson from Off the Wall (1979)

One of the more beautiful early Michael Jackson songs, this track is a smooth, synth-driven offering that features the softer side of Jackson’s voice. It’s just leaving the disco era and so it has that repetitive feeling in the chorus made for the rigorous moves. But then Jackson comes back to the almost lounge singer-like feeling in the verses. All this to say—hearing Jackson sing Wonder is an incredible thing. And he croons,

Looking in my mirror
Took me by surprise
I can’t help but see you
Running often through my mind
Helpless like a baby
Sensual disguise
I can’t help but love you
It’s getting better all the time

I can’t help it if I wanted to
I wouldn’t help it even if I could
I can’t help it if I wanted to
I wouldn’t help it, no
I can’t help it if I wanted to
I wouldn’t help it even if I could
I can’t help it if I wanted to
I wouldn’t help it, no

“If Ever” by John Denver from Dreamland Express (1985)

If you didn’t know it, would you ever have guessed that John Denver sang a song co-written by Stevie Wonder? Well, it happened and it’s lovely. Denver’s clear voice is delightful singing Wonder’s thoughtful, wistful sentiments. And Wonder even played his signature harmonica on the tune. On it, the country artist Denver belts,

I’d sing you a song, without a word
Still you would hear my tune
I’d give you a day, without a time
So it won’t end too soon

Anything, I would do
And that really is my point of view
If ever, my darling in my life
I ever had a chance to love you

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