Today is the birthday of Stevie Wonder, born in Saginaw, Mich., on May 13, 1950. A child prodigy, young Stevland Morris was signed to Detroit’s Motown Records at age 11, at which point he was dubbed Little Stevie Wonder by the label (naturally, he later dropped the “Little” from his moniker).

Stevie Wonder has sold more than 100 million albums worldwide, certainly a hitmaker for Motown Records in a roster filled with hitmakers — including Mary Wells, who shares the same birthday as Stevie Wonder. (Interestingly, Aretha Franklin grew up in Detroit but never signed to Motown Records, although Motown founder Berry Gordy considered Franklin a good friend.)

In honor of Stevie Wonder’s birthday, let’s celebrate him and his Motown label mates by highlighting their music. For today’s 9:30 Coffee Break, what songs by Motown Records artists do you want to hear?  

Respond with your song ideas in the comments below.

Have an idea for a Coffee Break topic? Submit your idea for a future theme and browse past Coffee Breaks in our archive.

Songs played:
Stevie Wonder - Fingertips, Pts. 1 and 2 (Live)
Mary Wells - My Guy
Jr. Walker and the All Stars - Shotgun
Boyz II Men - Motownphilly
Martha and The Vandellas - Nowhere To Run
The Four Tops - Bernadette
The Contours - Do You Love Me
The Supremes - My World Is Empty Without You
The Commodores - Brick House (bonus track!)