What was Stevie Wonder’s first Motown single, released in 1962?

Stevie Wonder’s first Motown single was “I Call It Pretty Music, but the Old People Call It the Blues.”

Tamla released the single in 1962, presenting the young performer under the name Little Stevie Wonder. The unusually long title reflected the blues influence behind the recording and introduced listeners to a musician whose skills extended beyond singing.

The song predates the breakthrough live recording “Fingertips,” which made Wonder a major national star later in 1963. Because “Fingertips” was his first major hit, it is sometimes incorrectly identified as his debut single.

Wonder’s early Motown material was shaped by the label’s interest in showcasing his drumming, harmonica playing, keyboard work, and energetic stage presence. His later artistic independence would make these early child-star recordings seem like the beginning of a much larger transformation.