Stevie Wonder - For Once In My Life

Year Released: 1968
Label: Tamla (Motown)
Genre: Soul / Pop / Motown Sound

Description:
Originally a Tony Bennett ballad, “For Once in My Life” became an entirely new creation in the hands of Stevie Wonder. Released in late 1968 on Tamla, the single transformed a slow love song into an irresistible uptempo Motown anthem, defined by its jubilant horns, steady rhythm section, and Stevie’s exuberant harmonica.

Produced by Henry Cosby, it captures the youthful optimism of Motown’s golden era — a joyful declaration of self-assured love. Stevie’s vocal performance, a perfect mix of emotional control and uncontainable energy, made the song an instant hit, reaching #2 on both the Billboard Hot 100 and R&B charts.

Over the decades, “For Once in My Life” has been covered by hundreds of artists, from Frank Sinatra to Michael Bublé. The track remains one of the defining moments of Stevie’s early career — a masterclass in turning pop craftsmanship into something spiritually uplifting.