Wonder gives recording gear to Ellington school - musician Stevie Wonder donates music recording equipment to Duke Ellington School of the Arts in Washington, D.C - Brief Article

Jet, Oct 25, 1993

Superstar Stevie Wonder recently donated state-of-the-art recording equipment to the Duke Ellington School of the Arts in Washington, D.C.

The $500,000 worth of equipment is part of Motown Records' educational program.

"I am very, very pleased and happy to be at a school named after Duke Ellington whose music brought so much joy to so many," Wonder said at the presentation.

"His music was universal and spoke in strong positive images, whether it be describing a beautiful woman as a Satin Doll or the simple beauty of The A Train," he added.

Wonder also said that he wanted to return to the school on April 29, the late bandleader-composer's birthday, to donate a piano.

D.C. Mayor Sharon Pratt Kelly, who presented Wonder with a proclamation and key to the city, said the gift fulfilled "a long held dream" by the school system.