I am back with the Music Monday blog post! Monday used to be a day dreaded because of its in your face way of reminding me that I had to return back to my 9 to 5 unfulfilling desk job, but all I wanted to do was create. This is not the subject of this post today and it has nothing to do with the song selected for today’s review, but it is something to think about about as we celebrated an Black American Legend today. Today I have no other choice but to honor a man who stood out against hate, called for the love of thy brother, and rallied for all man regardless of color. Dr. Martin L. King Jr! As celebrated for his heroic actions and infamous speeches; King was an prolific activist who became the most visible leader in the civil rights movement.
Music is a reflection of it time and there was no better person to rejoice in the celebration of Dr. King and his outstanding fight against racial injustice. Although we play Stevie Wonder’s “Happy Birthday” song for the celebration of our family and friends; this song has a rich meaning that sings about the reason why we celebrate and scream, “Happy Birthday to Ya” on Dr. Martin L. King’s Day!
That there ought to be a time
That we can set aside
To show just how much we love you – Stevie Wonder, “Happy Birthday” circa 1980.
Stevie wonder is a lyrical storyteller that evokes one to listen carefully to the richness and quality of the story. Each and every part of the phrase is an essential melody that teaches, inspires, and awakens a collection of both Black, Brown, and white people. The way he captures the essence of a man who fought during the harsh times of segregation, marched from Selma to Montgomery, and has a series of mugshots because he would serve jail time to ensure that our desired freedom was made a reality is something to be praised. It is through the use of a keyboard synthesizer, that Mr. Wonder laments the fact that anyone would oppose the idea of celebrating Dr. King’s holiday, while reawakening during each listen the realization of Dr. King’s dreams of integration and “love and unity for all of God’s children”.
The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy – Dr. MLK, Jr.
Both Stevie and King stood up during controversy. One in song and the on the front line of universal movement marches. They chose to speak of our fight to have equal rights and how important is was to stop letting “white be the only right.” This song doesn’t hide the truth and makes full use of its six minutes in the booth for us to constantly and consistently sing Happy Birthday Dr. Martin L. King!
And the whole day should be spent
In full remembrance
Of those who lived and died for the oneness of all people
So let us all begin
We know that love can win
Let it out don’t hold it in
Sing it loud as you can
Happy birthday to you – Stevie Wonder, “Happy Birthday” circa 1980.
mOOd: Live today in the memory of Dr. Martin L. King, Jr.
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