Song of the Day 3/22: Stevie Wonder and Tom Jones, “A Place In The Sun/Uptight/It’s Not Unusual”

“Ebony and Ivory,” the duet by Stevie Wonder and Paul McCartney, hit the top of the charts on both sides of the Atlantic in 1982. But it wasn’t the first time Stevie paired with a British singer. Welshman Tom Jones, who won the Grammy for Best New Artist in 1966, was so popular by 1969 that he had his own variety show. A regular feature were his duets with musical guests, and that’s how he and Stevie came to sing this medley of some of their hits. Jones had a powerful voice, but Stevie Wonder outshines him. Unlike most music clips from the era, they’re singing this one live.

As a host, Jones was not only generous by giving his guests the lead on duets, he was fearless in sharing the stage with some of the greatest vocalists of his generation. Here he is with a young Aretha Franklin, who looks bitchin’ in that Queen Nefertiti hat.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nlTnnq3M9TA