Stevie Wonder – “Fingertips (Part Two),” Pop #1, R&B #1
Little Stevie Wonder’s first single joins Pink Floyd’s “Another Brick in the Wall (Part Two)” as the only “part twos” to hit No. 1 on the U.S. chart. Another notable “part two” is Gary Glitter’s “Rock and Roll (Part Two),” which was a No. 7 U.S. hit.
Not only did Wonder not write this song, he didn’t even need the whole number to sell his charisma and talent. “Fingertips (Part Two)” is less a song than a vamp that Wonder builds up with his harmonica playing and joyous singing. Even if there aren’t any real lyrics, it’s impossible not to smile and sing along.
It took Wonder nearly two years to land on the charts with this song and nearly as long to find a follow-up hit, 1965’s “Uptight (Everything Is Alright).” The complete 6-minute performance of “Fingertips” opens Wonder’s 1963 live album, “Recorded Live, The 12 Year Old Genuis.” — By Joel Francis
joelfrancis.com 