Stevie Wonder’s Song For Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Netted A Holiday And An American Musical Hit

When Stevie Wonder released the song “Happy Birthday to You,” in 1981, he made a political and social statement that changed the course of United States history. The musical genius penned the song to remind U.S. lawmakers and voters that Dr. Martin Luther King Jr deserved to be recognized with a national holiday. Up to that point, there was no clear majority of lawmakers ready to stand behind the vote needed to implement the holiday.

Let’s also be quite honest. Wonder shamed a nation by getting everybody – including the naysayers – to sing a lively, lovely song that led to a deep self-reflection. He plainly asked: what on earth is wrong with our nation publicly acknowledging and celebrating – in memoriam – one of our most pivotal civil rights leaders? And it goes without saying, said civil rights leader was violently murdered in 1968 because he simply believed in equity and equality.

Let’s consider the first verse of this iconic song. (You can view and listen to Wonder perform the song for Nelson Mandela’s celebration as well. The song grew up to be used for many, many civil rights leaders around the world.)

“You know it doesn’t make much sense

There ought to be a law against

Anyone who takes offense

At a day in your celebration…”

Wonder, again, plainly kicked off the song taking the anti-King lobby to task for their small mindedness. Keep in mind, also, the history here. Congressman John Conyers had, for 15 years, repeatedly reintroduced a bill to celebrate King Day. Ad every year, it stalled – despite the full support of the Congressional Black Caucus.

It took years, and six million signatures on a petition, to finally get the momentum needed to turn the tide by the 1980s. Then? Wonder released his song with that iconic first set of verses that made everybody dance – and made everybody think. The song, on Wonder’s certified platinum Hotter than July album, was an instant hit though it was never released as a single for U.S. radio. However, in the U.K., it rose to the number 2 spot.

Then, in 1983, after the 20th anniversary of the Dr. King’s legendary “I Have A Dream” speech, the anniversary of March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom, and the 15th anniversary of King’s assassination, it finally happened. The naysayers were ready to vote it down except their plan to use FBI files against King’s memory fell flat. On October 19, 1983, the bill passed Senate and on November 2, 1983, President Ronald Reagan signed it into law.

Let’s consider the second and third sections of the song:

“’cause we all know in our minds

That there ought to be a time

That we can set aside

To show just how much we love you

And I’m sure you would agree

What could fit more perfectly

Than to have a world party

on the day you came to be”

Though the vote passed, some states – and many companies – still refused to honor Dr. King. Arizona was amongst them. And to this day, many companies still won’t allow their employees to have the day to volunteer for the King Day of Service or to volunteer. However, by the year 2000, all states were in compliance. (New Hampshire was the last, in 1999, using it to replace Civil Rights Day.) Yet, it’s 2023 and not all companies are in compliance, though those same companies often happily release Memorial Day, Thanksgiving and Christmas as non negotiable holidays. In fact, fewer than 50% of American companies recognize King Day. Some, however, do offer it as a floating holiday for employees.

Another verse:

“I just never understood

How a man who died for good

Could not have a day that would

Be set aside for his recognition”

Regardless of the day off or on, it is a federal holiday and federal employees do not work on King Day, which is usually the third Monday of January. Sometimes it even falls on his actual birthday of January 15. Also, despite being signed into law in 1983, the federal government first celebrated King Day on Monday, January 20, 1986.

Wonder started a wave with a song. It speaks to the power of music, the power of the people and to the power of ancestral alignment. King Day just couldn’t be stopped. King, with the help of thousands, had accomplished too much and come too far to be stopped by a few companies or a few people who preferred to ignore civil rights history.

Now? King Day is largely used as a day of service for many. And some companies even gave King Day off for the very first time this year. But better late than never.

Consider the last portion of the song.

“It should be a great event

And the whole day should be spent

In full remembrance

Of those who lived and died for the oneness of all people

So let us all begin

We know that love can win

Let it out, don’t hold it in

Sing it loud as you can

Happy birthday to you

Happy birthday to you

Happy birthday

Happy birthday to you

Happy birthday to you

Happy birthday”