Thank You, Stevie

It was a masterful evening of song and honest emotion at Madison Square Garden last night, with Stevie Wonder doing Songs in the Key of Life. The 1976 double album, chock full of hits, delivered a solid reminder of his songwriting genius — and allowed him plenty of room for showmanship.

But this was no oldies revue. It was full of musical surprises, progressive performances, and social relevance. Stevie rapped between songs, broke into tears on several occasions and spread love and joy to the packed house.

As expected, the show opened with "Love's in Need of Love Today." There was nary a wrong note to be heard from the 20-plus-piece band with strings, horns, choir and a tight rhythm section. Stevie was in fine voice. His spirit was so lighthearted and relaxed. When he forgot some words early in the set, he joked, "Oh, sue me!" He grew overcome with emotion doing "Summer Soft," with tears streaming down his face. He wasn't the only one.

Stevie Wonder is one of the songwriting greats. Highlights for me were "Joy Inside My Tears," "Knocks Me Off My Feet," and of course "Sir Duke."

Bette Midler, Rachel Ray, Questlove, Spike Lee and Whoppi Goldberg were all spotted dancing in the aisles and basking in the joy of Stevie. We all left MSG happier, more hopeful and with a headful of meaningful songs.

Here's the set list:

    Set 1:
    Love's in Need of Love Today
    Have a Talk With God
    Village Ghetto Land
    Contusion
    Sir Duke
    I Wish
    Knocks Me Off My Feet
    Pastime Paradise
    Summer Soft
    Ordinary Pain
    Saturn
    Ebony Eyes

    Set 2:
    Isn't She Lovely
    Joy Inside My Tears
    Black Man
    All Day Sucker
    Easy Goin’ Evening (My Mama’s Call)
    Ngiculela - Es Una Historia - I Am Singing
    If It's Magic
    As
    Another Star
    Superstition