The Influencers
The Influencers of rock series examines the musicians behind the rock and roll era - those pioneers whose musical styles influenced the rocks music movement; as well as other legendary musicians who inspired and impacted rock music or the larger music scene as a whole.
The Devil’s on His Way
Acrylic on Canvas 24 x 30
2018
When one thinks of Motown and music legends Stevie Wonder is one of the musicians who instantly comes to mind. A multi- Grammy Award winner and Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award, an inductee into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, political activist, and an advocate for many humanitarian causes, Stevie Wonder’s career has spanned decades, starting with his career as Little Stevie Wonder at the age of 11.
While I usually paint rock stars, Stevie Wonder is one of those musical legends, whose work has influenced all artists and genres. Known for his incredible R&B, soul and funk sounds, his music has been covered by groups such as Phish and The Red Hot Chili Peppers. He has directly influenced other musical greats such as Jeff Beck, Bob Marley and George Benson. Have collaborated with musicians such as Elton John and Paul McCartney, Wonder’s sphere of influence is magical.
Inspiration for songs comes from all kinds of places. While Stevie Wonder was on my list to paint, I knew the time was right when I was out one night and heard a band play a cover of “Superstition”, my personal favourite Wonder song. While I played with titles for this particular painting, “The Devil’s on His Way” elicited powerful imagery and it many ways it is a lyric one might expect in a rock song.
If you have listened to Stevie Wonder in a while, I would encourage you to do so, especially his songs from the Seventies. From re-connecting with “Superstition”, to listening to the original version of “Higher Ground” and “Boogie on Reggae Woman” the talents of Wonder are something that need to be listened to time and time again.
2018
When one thinks of Motown and music legends Stevie Wonder is one of the musicians who instantly comes to mind. A multi- Grammy Award winner and Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award, an inductee into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, political activist, and an advocate for many humanitarian causes, Stevie Wonder’s career has spanned decades, starting with his career as Little Stevie Wonder at the age of 11.
While I usually paint rock stars, Stevie Wonder is one of those musical legends, whose work has influenced all artists and genres. Known for his incredible R&B, soul and funk sounds, his music has been covered by groups such as Phish and The Red Hot Chili Peppers. He has directly influenced other musical greats such as Jeff Beck, Bob Marley and George Benson. Have collaborated with musicians such as Elton John and Paul McCartney, Wonder’s sphere of influence is magical.
Inspiration for songs comes from all kinds of places. While Stevie Wonder was on my list to paint, I knew the time was right when I was out one night and heard a band play a cover of “Superstition”, my personal favourite Wonder song. While I played with titles for this particular painting, “The Devil’s on His Way” elicited powerful imagery and it many ways it is a lyric one might expect in a rock song.
If you have listened to Stevie Wonder in a while, I would encourage you to do so, especially his songs from the Seventies. From re-connecting with “Superstition”, to listening to the original version of “Higher Ground” and “Boogie on Reggae Woman” the talents of Wonder are something that need to be listened to time and time again.
Crescendo of the Smooth Criminal
Acrylic on Canvas 24 x 30
2020
Universally known as the “King of Pop” Michael Jackson’s impact on the music industry is well known. A true mega star, he is regarded as one of the most significant cultural figures of the twentieth century. He made his musical debut at the age of five, as the youngest member of the Jackson brothers’ group, The Jackson Five. A true entertainer, whose career spanned four decades, Jackson’s influence and legacy live on today.
I have always loved Jackson’s “Smooth Criminal”. It is one of those songs where the lyric “Annie are you okay” stays in your head where it plays over and over. This song was so groundbreaking for Jackson, that Alien Ant Farm, remade the song as a cover. Jackson who was already the biggest pop star in the world, was looking to take his music in a different direction.
Many of Jackson’s songs were personal in nature; “Smooth Criminal” deviates in that it tells the story of a fictional character. From the get go, there was internal conflict with Jackson’s production team over the song. However, Jackson held his ground, and the result is his best blend of R and B groove and rock edginess, and a turning point in his shift toward darker, harder-edged material, as well as a change in his stage imagery and persona.
Well known for different looks throughout his career, the iconic gangster inspired video, was a shift in costume for Jackson – to the now familiar 1930’s mobster imagery. Often this is how people remember Jackson, a vintage style suit complete with a Fedora.
With the release of this painting on the eleventh anniversary of Jackson’s death, “Crescendo of a Smooth Criminal” pays homage to the legendary Jackson. The accomplishments of this musical genius, will likely never be rivaled by any artist in the years to come and for good reason. The edginess of this song, was the perfect introductory Jackson painting for me. While this was my first Jackson painting, it will certainly not be the last.
2020
Universally known as the “King of Pop” Michael Jackson’s impact on the music industry is well known. A true mega star, he is regarded as one of the most significant cultural figures of the twentieth century. He made his musical debut at the age of five, as the youngest member of the Jackson brothers’ group, The Jackson Five. A true entertainer, whose career spanned four decades, Jackson’s influence and legacy live on today.
I have always loved Jackson’s “Smooth Criminal”. It is one of those songs where the lyric “Annie are you okay” stays in your head where it plays over and over. This song was so groundbreaking for Jackson, that Alien Ant Farm, remade the song as a cover. Jackson who was already the biggest pop star in the world, was looking to take his music in a different direction.
Many of Jackson’s songs were personal in nature; “Smooth Criminal” deviates in that it tells the story of a fictional character. From the get go, there was internal conflict with Jackson’s production team over the song. However, Jackson held his ground, and the result is his best blend of R and B groove and rock edginess, and a turning point in his shift toward darker, harder-edged material, as well as a change in his stage imagery and persona.
Well known for different looks throughout his career, the iconic gangster inspired video, was a shift in costume for Jackson – to the now familiar 1930’s mobster imagery. Often this is how people remember Jackson, a vintage style suit complete with a Fedora.
With the release of this painting on the eleventh anniversary of Jackson’s death, “Crescendo of a Smooth Criminal” pays homage to the legendary Jackson. The accomplishments of this musical genius, will likely never be rivaled by any artist in the years to come and for good reason. The edginess of this song, was the perfect introductory Jackson painting for me. While this was my first Jackson painting, it will certainly not be the last.