Drumming News :
By Paul Rogne
Stevie Wonder’s 1972 album Talking Book produced some of his most iconic hits, including the legendary track “Superstition.” But beneath the music and the magic of the album lies an intriguing story of tension, musicianship, and a legendary fistfight that could have influenced the very sound of one of the greatest songs ever recorded.
It all began during the Talking Book tour when Stevie recruited Ray Parker Jr. as his guitarist. While Parker speaks highly of Stevie’s leadership, he admits that Wonder’s strict and precise approach sometimes created friction within the band. One day, a disgruntled drummer, frustrated with Stevie’s direction, jokingly challenged him to a fight, saying, “Put a blindfold on me, and I’ll fight him.”
Now, this may sound like the setup for a lighthearted prank, but Stevie, known for his physical fitness and lightning-fast reflexes, took the challenge seriously. According to Parker, Stevie in those days was “ripped” and ready for action. The drummer, however, quickly learned that taking on Stevie Wonder was a bad idea. Wonder dodged every punch, using his remarkable hearing to anticipate the drummer’s moves, and in the end, delivered a quick, decisive beating. “If the drummer had taken off the blindfold,” Parker chuckled, “he may have still gotten the same a**-whooping.”
It’s a reminder that while Stevie Wonder is known for his musical genius, he’s also a force to be reckoned with offstage.
But this story takes an even more fascinating turn when you look at who might have been involved in this infamous confrontation. Research reveals that the drummer in question might have been none other than the legendary Cozy Powell. Powell, a highly respected British drummer, claimed in interviews that he recorded a take of “Superstition” during the Talking Book sessions, though his contribution went uncredited. The final version of “Superstition,” as we know it, credited Stevie Wonder as the drummer. But this raises the question: Was Cozy Powell the drummer who clashed with Wonder?
At the time, Powell was working with other major artists, and his presence in the Talking Book sessions adds an intriguing layer to the story. The timeline certainly supports this possibility, though it remains an unconfirmed mystery. But whether Powell was the drummer who squared off with Stevie Wonder or not, one thing is clear—Wonder’s influence in the studio was undeniable.
As if this drama wasn’t enough, there’s more to the Talking Book story. In 1972, while recording the album, Wonder invited British guitar legend Jeff Beck into the studio. Beck, in return for Stevie’s promise to write a song for him, contributed his guitar skills to the track “Superstition.” But the real magic happened during a casual jam session.
Beck, taking a break from recording, sat down at the drum kit and began playing a funky beat. Stevie, hearing the groove, immediately jumped in, grabbed a clavinet, and started improvising the now-iconic riff that would become “Superstition.” According to Beck’s recollection in Annette Carson’s biography, “Then the lick came out—‘Superstition.’ … I thought, ‘He’s given me the riff of the century.’”
The riff was born, and a rough demo was recorded. The plan was for Beck’s band, Beck, Bogert & Appice, to release it first, but when Motown boss Berry Gordy heard the track, he insisted that Stevie Wonder release it as his lead single. On October 24, 1972, Stevie’s version hit the airwaves, and by January 1973, it had soared to No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100.
Beck’s version of the song arrived later in March 1973, but he didn’t hold a grudge. In fact, Stevie, ever the generous spirit, gifted Beck the soulful instrumental “Cause We’ve Ended As Lovers,” which Beck famously recorded on hisBlow by Blow album.
It’s widely known that Jeff Beck and Cozy Powell were working together during this time, leading some to wonder if Powell may have also played a role in the Talking Book sessions, and even been the drummer involved in the infamous fight with Stevie. Could the mysterious drummer be Powell? The timing, the connections, and Powell’s involvement in the era make this an intriguing possibility.
So, will we ever know for sure? The truth remains elusive. But one thing is certain: Stevie Wonder’s Talking Book era was filled with musical brilliance, creative tension, and enough drama to make any music fan’s jaw drop. Whether it’s fistfights, guitar riffs, or uncredited drummers, the making of “Superstition” is just as legendary as the song itself.
