70th Musical Celebration

Jet, Oct 18, 1999

Superstar Stevie Wonder congratulates the legendary gospel group The Dixie Hummingbirds on its 70th anniversary in music and new hit album Music In the Air. Group members are Carl Davis, Ira Tucker Sr., Howard Carroll and Paul Owens (not shown is William Bright). Wonder appears on the album along with Mavis Staples, Paul Simon, Shirley Caesar, Vickie Winans, Isaac Hayes, Howard Hewitt and Deniece Williams.

Wonder notes, "No group has been more important in the history of African-American, as well as American gospel and inspirational music. They are allowing themselves to be used as a vehicle through which God can express the power of goodness and love." The Hummingbirds' hits include 1973's Loves Me Like A Rock, recorded with Simon, Jesus Walked the Water and Trouble in My Way.