Stevie Wonder and Cousin Michael Jackson Shared a Strong Bond!
American singer-songwriter Stevland Hardaway Morris, known as Stevie Wonder, is the third cousin to Michael Jackson from Michael’s maternal side besides their close professional relationship.
According to Daily Mail UK, Michael’s sister, Janet Jackson, confirmed on BBC Radio 2 Breakfast Show that she is a cousin of Stevie Wonder.
Despite their blood connection, the two have a history of collaboration that dates back to the early 1970s.
Stevie, who was known to be a child prodigy, mentored Michael and was a huge influence on him.
Michael Jackson in the studio with his cousin Stevie Wonder, 1975. pic.twitter.com/0MvFUFv9Jy
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King of Pop Michael often attributed Stevie’s contribution to his life. For instance, in an interview with Ebony Magazine in December 2007, Michael expressed his gratitude, saying:
Now Stevie Wonder, he’s a musical prophet. He’s another guy I have to credit. I wanted to experience it all. So Stevie used to literally let me sit like a fly on the wall. I got to see Songs in the Key of Life get made, some of the most golden things.
Stevie and Michael’s Friendship Led To Collaborations That Shook The Music Industry
Stevie Wonder and Michael Jackson were musical legends whose collaborations created some of the most iconic hits of the century.
In 1987, the cousins collaborated on Just Good Friends from Jackson’s Bad album, which became a significant hit.
The same year, Michael was featured on Stevie’s song Get It, which highlighted the partnership between the two singers.
The duo were also singers for the charity single, We Are the World, to raise funds for the African famine relief.
Further, the music star has produced his cousin Michael’s I Can’t Help It and Buttercup (Demo).
Michael Jackson with Stevie Wonder in the studio, 1988.
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What two legends! pic.twitter.com/ahOU9Sckm6
Michael has covered many Stevie songs during his musical career, as well as doing background vocals for his songs.
At the Australia Leg of the Bad Tour in Brisbane in 1987, Stevie joined Michael on stage to perform Bad, which has been one of their most memorable moments.
At the 2010 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame’s 25th Anniversary concert, Stevie was visibly emotional as he delivered a tribute performance for Michael Jackson.
Moreover, the duo shared a deep friendship beyond their blood relation, expressing mutual love and admiration for one another.
Additional Information
- Stevie Wonder has been inducted into the Rythm and Blues Music Hall of Fame, Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Songwriters Hall of Fame.
- The singer has won 25 Grammy Awards as well as a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 1996.
- Wonder has nine children with his three wives.
