Wonder, Marsalis Wow Apollo Audience

NEW YORK (Apollo Theatre) - We all know Stevie Wonder can sing - but can he swing? He proved he could do both Monday night, jamming with Wynton Marsalis and his septet at Jazz at Lincoln Center's spring gala at the Apollo Theater.

Wonder not only played piano as the band performed John Coltrane's "Giant Steps," he also sang a jazzed-up version of his own hit, "Living for the City" in front of an adoring crowd.
"It is truly an honor to be at the Apollo," said Wonder, noting his own performances at the historic theater when he was a child prodigy.

Other performers at "Comin' Home To Harlem," were Tony nominee Vanessa Williams, musician Roland Hanna and Savion Glover, who received a standing ovation after delivering a dazzling tap performance. Whoopi Goldberg served as the evening's host.

Wonder also provided some comedy. When the 52-year-old sat at the piano, he grabbed the sheet music in front of him, then put it aside and quipped: "Didn't really need to read right now."
He also hinted at a lively past at the Apollo. "I was telling Wynton a story backstage that I could never tell you all," he said. "Let's just say it was an eye-opening experience."

The gala was a benefit for Jazz at Lincoln Center, which bills itself as world's largest arts organization dedicated to jazz. Marsalis is its artistic director. Among the guests were actress Angela Bassett and news anchor Peter Jennings.