LETTER : Wonder of a living legend

From Mr Jheryl Busby

Sir: I have read, with some surprise, recent articles and letters pertaining to Stevie Wonder's appearance last week on the Simon Mayo Show. Radio One had obviously put a great deal of time and effort into planning the show and Simon Mayo's producers were nothing but professional throughout. The outcome was a very successful event staged to support Stevie's new album Conversation Peace.

Prior to the programme all parties agreed that Stevie would be interviewed, utilising his piano and synthesiser to illustrate his points. As is the prerogative of such a highly creative and spontaneous artist, he did not explicitly state in advance which songs he would perform. This was to everyone's satisfaction. What ensued was a spirited and entertaining exchange between a musical genius and an experienced broadcaster - hardly a "showdown".

Contrary to what was reported in your article "No Wonder DJ is flustered as superstar plays hard to get" (10 March), Simon Mayo did not seem "flustered" nor did Stevie Wonder play "hard to get". What Stevie Wonder did play were several new and old songs from his repertoire, to the delight of millions. At the end of the day, we were all treated to an exclusive audience with one of pop music's greatest living legends.

Yours sincerely,

JHERYL BUSBY

President and Chief Executive

Motown

Los Angeles