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Echoes of God

What do Stevie Wonder and Aretha Franklin have in common besides their Rock & Roll Hall of Fame status? According to fans of their music, these two soul singers may actually possess the voice of God.

In the latest issue of Rolling Stone, songstress Alicia Keys and Jim James of My Morning Jacket were asked to share their thoughts on these titans of the music industry. Both artists couldn’t help but veer into the spiritual realm while describing what they loved about their favorite artists.

Alicia Keys on the incomparable Stevie Wonder:

“Steve Wonder draws outside the lines. [...] When I was writing my first record, in Harlem, I heard the most chilling, spine-tingling song ever. It was Stevie’s “They Won’t Go When I Go,” from Fulfillingness’ First Finale, which is probably my favorite album of his. No one is that good. He’s blessed by a higher power–he’s on another intergalactic level.”

Jim James of My Morning Jacket on his love for all things Aretha:

“I buy lots of Aretha [Franklin] on vinyl at thrift stores, which is how I discovered her gospel music. One side of her Amazing Grace double album kicks off with a cover of Marvin Gaye’s “Wholy Holy” into “You’ll Never Walk Alone” – it’s an incredibly heavy psychedelic experience. Listening to that 12 minutes of music, no matter who you think God is, there is no doubt that God exists. There’s something about her that’s just so natural–like a tree growing or a river flowing or a cloud. It’s just meant to be. Aretha is the sound of God.”

November 14, 2009 - Posted by cocoa chanel | magazines, music | Alicia Keys, Aretha Franklin, Jim James, My Morning Jacket, Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, Rolling Stone, Stevie Wonder