The Roots & Stevie Wonder
Those that managed to tune in to the madness that transpired at Studio 6B Friday night, bore witness to a historic moment. Not only was September 19th of 2014 Jimmy Fallon's big four-oh, but it also marks the very first time that the mighty Roots crew shared a stage with the immaculate soul that is Stevie Wonder, no doubt a milestone in each and every single (okay) player's career. The show started as most do, but when the new king of late night took to his throne following his opening monologue, the born-day surprises were a churnin'.
A massive cake was wheeled out, from which a shirtless Seth Rogen and James Franco erupted, setting the stage for what must have been the single greatest singing of "Happy Birthday" that ever was. Mr. Wonderlove emerged and joined in, as only he can, leading the rag-tag ensemble of comedians and finely tuned musicians singing the classic chorus from Wonder's celebratory rendition: "happy birthday to ya." Later in the show, the prince of Hitsville made his way back to the stage to blaze through some of his classics (with OG Black Eyed Peas singer Kim Hill backing up the crew), including "Sir Duke," "I Wish" and "All Day Sucker." If anything was clear by the end of the evening, it was that Wonder is, in fact, a bonafide musical genius.
Per usual, The Roots proved to be a necessary and proper accompaniment to the man that can simply do no wrong, each of them ear to ear in exultant bliss, lining up one by one like little kids on their way to meet Santa, just to take a picture with the gawd before of the show. The room was no doubt, overjoyed. See our composite we dubbed "The Wonder Bunch" below featuring photos of Stevie with The Roots crew, Touré, DJ Spinna, and our very own Okay Gingerlynn (You think we'll ever meet Stevie? One of these days, G!).
Watch Jimmy Fallon's absolutely epic birthday bash on The Tonight Show below and peep the fellas running through "Sir Duke" (Jimmy's request) and "All Day Sucker" (Questo's request) with the legend below.
