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Is "Superstitious" by Stevie Wonder really classic rock?

I

islanddxer

Caught Q104 playing this Sunday afternoon. There seems to be some sort of format adjustment going on with going against CBS-FM trying to skim listeners from there. Lots of Beatles, Paul Simon, Steppenwolf, most of the harder stuff, even 80s hair bands, is seriously lacking. Pretty much stopped listening and going to WBAB for my classic rock music now.
 
If memory serves me correctly AOR & progressive rock stations used to play some Stevie Wonder once upon a time.
 
They've been playing "Superstition" for a good while, along with all of the other acts you mentioned. Honestly, it's an iconic song, and if it appeals to their listeners, then why not? "Rock" is such a broad term anyway - really, the vast majority of popular music since the 60's can trace its roots back to 50's rock and roll.
 
The title is actually "Superstition" and it is a rock song but with elements of funk. I would agree it is playable on CR.
 
Likewise, I have also heard Aretha Franklin's "Respect" being played on Q104.3, usually on an occasional Friday, though.
 
I've heard "Superstition" on quite a few classic rock stations, including some of the most uptight ones around (i.e. KQRS). I think it's a good choice for the format, since it breaks up the monotony a bit and throws a bit of a curveball to the audience. And I don't think anyone is complaining about it. It is a bonafide crossover track, and classic rock radio has always needed to play more black artists not named Jimi Hendrix (like Sly and the Family Stone).

I've also heard "Higher Ground" on classic rock radio.

I originally wrote that Jeff Beck plays guitar on "Superstition", but it appears that this is not the case. He did help to create the drum sound, and later recorded a cover version (Stevie Wonder initially offered the song to him, but Berry Gordy smelled a hit and insisted Stevie record it and offer Beck a different song instead). Also played elsewhere on the "Talking Book" album.

The song was also later covered by Stevie Ray Vaughan.
 
FightingIrish said:
I've heard "Superstition" on quite a few classic rock stations, including some of the most uptight ones around (i.e. KQRS). I think it's a good choice for the format, since it breaks up the monotony a bit and throws a bit of a curveball to the audience. And I don't think anyone is complaining about it. It is a bonafide crossover track, and classic rock radio has always needed to play more black artists not named Jimi Hendrix (like Sly and the Family Stone).

I've also heard "Higher Ground" on classic rock radio.

I originally wrote that Jeff Beck plays guitar on "Superstition", but it appears that this is not the case. He did help to create the drum sound, and later recorded a cover version (Stevie Wonder initially offered the song to him, but Berry Gordy smelled a hit and insisted Stevie record it and offer Beck a different song instead). Also played elsewhere on the "Talking Book" album.

The song was also later covered by Stevie Ray Vaughan.
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AOR played a good amount of R&B and soul in the 70s. Pretty much any black artist that wasn't Jimi Hendrix got flushed out in 1979 in the wake of Disco Demolition and Lee Abrams' "modal" dictates of lots of hard rock to up the energy level, along, of course, with the singer-songwriters.
 
How about radio playing "Send One You Love", 'That Girl", "Love Light in Flight" or "Overjoyed"??
 
Our little 50,000 watt AoR station in Massachusetts played 'Superstition', too, along with that 6:30 or so album cut 'Maybe Your Baby' .

Hooks is hooks.

I believe 'Maybe Your Baby' had Beck playing geetar on it .....
 
Wow! I do not know why this rock station was playing "Superstition" by Stevie Wonder. This song was a big hit in 1972 and went to #1 on both pop & R&B Billboard charts, and it was a big hit for WABC as a music station back then. WCBS-FM did played this one on a classic hits/oldies station, but for a rock station like "Q104", it doesn't seem to fit on a classic rock station. It was a dumb mistake for playing a Stevie Wonder song on a rock station. WPDH in Poughkeepsie which is another rock station that never played "Superstition" by Stevie Wonder. I guess WBPM played this one.

And speaking of Stevie Wonder on a rock station, Red Hot Chili Peppers also did a rock version of a Stevie Wonder song "Higher Ground". I guess that would fit on "Q104" as well. Take a listen.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sdOLFtk9joI
 
The late Stevie Ray Vaughan also had a cover of Stevie Wonder's "Superstition" from his Live Alive album. This one still get some airplay on classic rock stations.

As for Stevie Wonder, I have no problem with a classic rock station playing "Superstition" or several other tracks. "Living for the City" is another one that comes to mind. Perhaps not in high rotation, but just enough for listeners to notice, and enjoy.

Perhaps the same case could be made for classic rock stations playing Bob Marley. Again, certain tracks fit the format as long as its not overkill. Artists like Stevie Wonder and Bob Marley are definitely more likely to be heard on a AAA station these days.

Jacko
 
I consider it to be classic rock. Many classic rock stations including Q107 here in Toronto play it quite often as part of their very research driven playlists. I do understand your point though. Just about every classic rock station that I've encountered (and I'm including my ventures through the Midwestern and Southern United States) has had quite a bit to offer with regards to 80's hair metal bands, including Too Much Time on my Hands by Styx and the "hit" offerings of The Who, Pat Benatar, Journey, Cars, et cetera. If you haven't already, I would suggest you email or snail mail station management in request of answers regarding the playlist shift, but my instincts are telling me that CBS FM's demographic appears the most worthwhile to them, especially given how the older edge of classic rock and classic hits tend to join together in a gradient if you will.

However, I find it hard to believe that there could possibly be a properly designed and executed radio format that wouldn't work in a market the sheer size, diversity and vibrancy of the New York City metro.
 
Brooklyndon said:
In a similar, but reverse scenario, WBLS was playing Rolling Stones' "Miss You" during the Steve Harvey show a few weeks ago.
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As did a lot of urban stations in 1978--including WBLS. In fact, considering that Frankie Crocker was still running things back then, I am sure that BLS played that song back then.
 
Hm, I personally would consider that song 'funk'. But I suspect funk is some subgenre or fusion genre of rock music..
 
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