5 Facts About Stevie Wonder’s Hotter Than July Album

Stevie Wonder recorded Hotter Than July at his newly acquired Wonderland Studios in Los Angeles. The studio purchase gave him full creative control over the album’s production.

The album was released in 1980 and became one of Wonder’s biggest commercial successes. It reached number one on the Billboard R&B chart and number three on the Billboard 200.

Hotter Than July includes the hit single “Master Blaster (Jammin’),” a tribute to Bob Marley. The song blends reggae and funk, showcasing Wonder’s versatility.

The album’s title track and “Happy Birthday” were both written to honor Martin Luther King Jr. “Happy Birthday” helped campaign for King’s birthday to become a national holiday.

Wonderland Studios allowed Wonder to experiment with new sounds and production techniques. The album’s polished yet warm sound reflects his hands-on approach in the studio.