STEVIE WONDER

 ( ideals romanticism- connects through his music despite his blindness)

Marques A. Santos

American Literature/ Mr.Standing

Rom/Trans. Famous Person

11.28.12 4th Block

"C'mon Son!" Stevie Wonder, a legendary musician, ideals romanticism perfectly. It's already seen, even to those who are unfamiliar to Stevie Wonder, that he is different. He's not your common musician or piano player to be specific. The most outspoken reason being that he is blind, obviously. However, his blindness isn't the only reason why he embodies romanticism. Stevie Wonder shows extreme passion while playing his music, and is able to connect to other people through it.

The Romanticism Movement, was based on self-reliance, and going against the norm. Also, it stressed the arts of music and literature. Stevie's devotion and commitment to his music has touched the many hearts of his fans. That right there is another example how he embodies Romanticism. Going back to his inability to see, he's not like other artist. He is rare, and considered a non-conformist. Stevie re-frames from being like everyone else. He ultimately feels his music. He doesn't see his keys. His passion for the music gives him the ability to feel for the keys, hitting the note when it's necessary. 

Many may argue that Stevie Wonder wouldn't fit the person that embodies romanticism. Arguments have suggested that they say he's only special or different because he's blind. They seem to feel that he doesn't deserve the credit or props he deserves. Well, if that's the case, Stevie isn't blind, they are. How does he not deserve his props? At the fault of his retina disease, it's not his fault he's blind. Stevie Wonder demonstrates great emotion through his music.
Even in his early years, he was actively involved in his church choir. He grew up playing the piano, drums, harmonica, and the bass. The idea of his ROP disease frightened his parents. They thought he would never be able to do anything productive. Stevie thought otherwise, and connected through his parents and many more fans with his music. Bringing a whole new meaning to music, Stevie show exceptional ideals in Romanticism.
Therefore, Stevie Wonder was extremely talented and didn't listen to how people thought upon him. He played gigantic role as a non-conformist. He didn't want to be like the other stars, or musicians. He wanted to introduce a new meaning. He did what he thought was musically entertaining to him. It later opened a pathway to his fans, reaching them emotionally. Stevie Wonder, ideal image of Romanticism.

(Stevie Wonder receiving the Library of Congress Gershwin Award. It shows Romanticism cause he achieved high levels, and presented prestigious character.)