There’s a pretty crazy story behind the Stevie Wonder song, “Superstition.” Jeff Beck did some work on Stevie’s record and in return, Stevie Wonder gave Jeff Beck the song, “Superstition.” It took Beck a while to record the song. Stevie’s album, Talking Book, was released and included the track. Stevie had renegotiated his contract with Motown (after turning 21) and had a TON more control over his music.
One of the things Stevie Wonder DID NOT control was when his songs were released.
Motown made “Superstition” the first release and beat Jeff Beck’s release of the song by a month. By then, Stevie’s song was a huge hit and Jeff Beck’s went largely unnoticed. Beck’s album did well, but the song got viewed as a cover since Stevie’s song was already charting. Jeff Beck was not happy about this (understandably) and said some things about Stevie (even though the release date was out of Stevie’s hands). In the long run, the two worked it out. Beck ended up doing an instrumental cover of Stevie Wonder’s “Cause We’ve Ended As Lovers” as part of his album, Blow By Blow. The album was well received and brought a bigger spotlight to Jeff Beck’s talents.
Here’s Stevie’s official video for the song
Make sure you check out the drummer’s shoes… they are a magnificent part of pop culture.
Here’s Jeff Beck’s “Superstition.”
(Beck, Bogert, & Appice)
Clearly, they worked it out.
Stevie AND Jeff Beck performed the song together at the 25th Anniversary of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
Both versions are cool, but seeing Stevie Wonder and Jeff Beck perform the song together really is the icing on the cake. By the way, Stevie Wonder recorded this album at Electric Lady Studios (where Jimi Hendrix recorded). The studios continued to record with bands like Deep Purple and Miles Davis, even after Jimi’s death. In fact, Electric Lady Studios are still open today. Happy Throwback Thursday! Listen every Thursday for Throwback tracks on WCSX!