Michael Jackson

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Lore & Background

Michael Jackson and Stevie Wonder had a history of collaborating over the years. The first collaboration dates back to 1974, when Wonder crafted and produced a Jackson 5 album that was eventually shelved. One of those songs, "Buttercup," appears on the 2010 compilation *I Want You Back! Unreleased Masters*, released after Jackson's death. That same year, Michael and his brothers provided backing vocals to Wonder's hit "You Haven't Done Nothin'" from his album *Fulfillingness' First Finale*. Both Wonder and Jackson were part of an all-star choir on Donna Summer's 1982 single "State of Independence" (the single version produced by Giorgio Moroder and Pete Bellotte) and 1985's "We Are the World," which Jackson co-wrote and was produced by Quincy Jones. Jackson worked with Wonder again on the song "I Can't Help It" for Jackson's 1979 breakthrough album *Off the Wall*, written by Wonder and former Supremes member Susaye Greene. Within a year, Jackson also did background vocal work on "All I Do" from Wonder's platinum-selling *Hotter than July* album.

In Their Own Story

In 1987, Stevie Wonder released "Get It" as the third single from his album *Characters*, featuring Michael Jackson on guest vocals. At the time of the single's release, Wonder had worked with Jackson on his top-selling *Bad* album for their first duet "Just Good Friends." "Get It" became an R&B chart hit, peaking at number four on the US Billboard R&B chart, while on the US Billboard Hot 100 it peaked at number 80. In the UK, the single reached number 37 on the official UK Singles Chart. Cash Box called it a "light dance tune, heavy on groove, low on fat" that is "exciting and accessible," praising Wonder's "patented skipping base feel and percussive sound" and Jackson's singing. John Tague from *NME* viewed it as "a half-decent ditty that's more Jacko than Wonder."

Reader's Guide

Michael Jackson's contributions to Stevie Wonder's music include lead vocals on "Get It" and background vocals on "You Haven't Done Nothin'" and "All I Do." On "Get It," Jackson shared lead vocal duties with Wonder, who also played synthesizers, bass guitar, drums, and synthesized percussion. The song featured backing vocals from Mary Lee Evans, guitar from Ben Bridges, synthesizer programming from Robert Arbittier, and additional keyboard overdubs from Gary Olazabal. Jackson's collaborations with Wonder spanned from 1974 through 1987, including work on the shelved Jackson 5 album, the all-star choir for Donna Summer's "State of Independence" and "We Are the World," and the writing of "I Can't Help It" for Jackson's *Off the Wall* album.

Did You Know?

• Michael Jackson provided guest vocals on Stevie Wonder's 1987 single "Get It," which peaked at number 4 on the US R&B chart but only reached number 80 on the Billboard Hot 100.
• Jackson and Wonder's first collaboration was in 1974, when Wonder crafted and produced a Jackson 5 album that was eventually shelved; one song, "Buttercup," was later released on a 2010 compilation after Jackson's death.
• Michael and his brothers provided backing vocals on Wonder's 1974 hit "You Haven't Done Nothin'" from the album *Fulfillingness' First Finale*.
• Jackson worked with Wonder on the song "I Can't Help It" for Jackson's 1979 album *Off the Wall*, which was written by Wonder and former Supremes member Susaye Greene.
• Both Wonder and Jackson were part of an all-star choir on Donna Summer's 1982 single "State of Independence" (the single version produced by Giorgio Moroder and Pete Bellotte) and 1985's "We Are the World," which Jackson

A Decade of Musical Synergy

The professional relationship between Stevie Wonder and Michael Jackson spanned over a decade, evolving from early production efforts to high-profile vocal collaborations. Their history began in 1974 when Wonder produced an entire album for the Jackson 5, though it remained unreleased until decades later. That same year, the brothers provided backing vocals on Wonder's hit "You Haven't Done Nothin'." Their paths crossed again in 1982 and 1985 as part of all-star choirs for Donna Summer and the historic "We Are the World." By 1979, Wonder had penned "I Can't Help It" for Jackson's breakthrough album *Off the Wall*, while Jackson reciprocated with background vocals on Wonder's *Hotter than July*. This deep-rooted connection culminated in their first official duet, "Just Good Friends," recorded during the sessions for Jackson's massive *Bad* album. The 1987 release of "Get It" served as a testament to this enduring creative bond, marking another significant moment where two pop giants united on record.

Chart Performance and Commercial Reception

Released in 1987 as the third single from Stevie Wonder's *Characters* album, "Get It" showcased distinct commercial results across different markets. The track found its strongest footing within the R&B community, climbing to number four on the genre-specific charts. However, its performance on the broader US Billboard Hot 100 was more modest, peaking at number eighty. International reception varied, with the single achieving moderate success overseas; in the United Kingdom, it reached number thirty-seven on the official Singles Chart. Despite not becoming a global chart-topper comparable to some of their solo hits, the song maintained a presence on radio and dance floors. The release coincided with a busy year for both artists, as they were simultaneously promoting their own major studio projects. While the single did not replicate the stratospheric success of "We Are the World," it secured a respectable position in the musical landscape of 1987, highlighting the continued drawing power of the Wonder-Jackson partnership among dedicated fans and industry observers.

Critical Response to the Collaboration

Contemporary music critics offered mixed reactions to "Get It," with opinions ranging from enthusiastic praise to sharp dismissal. *Cash Box* magazine viewed the track favorably, describing it as an exciting and accessible dance tune that relied heavily on groove rather than excess. The publication specifically lauded Wonder's signature percussive sound and skipping bass feel, while also commending Jackson's vocal contribution. In contrast, John Tague of *NME* suggested the song leaned more toward Jackson's style than Wonder's, labeling it merely a half-decent ditty. The reception turned notably negative with *Melody Maker*, which delivered a scathing review. They characterized the track as "mutton-head funk" intended for an audience lacking critical faculties, using harsh language to describe the production and the perceived desperation of the artists' management teams. These polarized reviews illustrate how the collaboration was interpreted differently depending on the critic's perspective, with some appreciating the musical mechanics while others found the artistic direction lacking.

Musical Composition and Personnel

The recording of "Get It" featured an impressive lineup of musicians led by Stevie Wonder himself, who handled a vast array of instrumental duties. Wonder performed lead vocals alongside Michael Jackson, while also playing synthesizers, bass guitar, drums, and synthesized percussion. This multi-instrumental approach underscored Wonder's reputation as a versatile musical architect. Supporting the two vocal powerhouses was Mary Lee Evans on backing vocals, adding depth to the harmonies. The instrumental texture was further enriched by Ben Bridges on guitar and Robert Arbittier, who managed synthesizer programming. Additional keyboard overdubs were provided by Gary Olazabal, contributing layers to the final mix. This collective effort resulted in a polished R&B production that blended Wonder's rhythmic innovations with Jackson's vocal flair. The personnel list highlights how the track was built upon a foundation of skilled session work, ensuring that every element from the bass lines to the synthesized percussion served the song's energetic dance groove.

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