Stevie Wonder: often imitated, never duplicated—until, it appears, right about now.
The lofty claim’s made possible thanks to a new YouTube installment from 18-year-old Londoner Jacob Collier, an accomplished young vocalist whose talents have taken him to Budapest, Italy, and Spain and attracted more than 1 million views online. His six-vocal-track, multi-instrumental rendition of Wonder’s classic “Don’t You Worry ‘Bout a Thing” packs all of Little Stevie’s quick-witted soul into a new look cover that plays of Wonder’s love of clever harmonies.
Posted Sunday, the video’s already gathered 73,032 views, though it’s got a long way to go before eclipsing the tally of Collier’s most popular video: a likeminded cover of Wonder’s Songs From the Key of Life staple “Isn’t She Lovely.”
Aside from the jaw-dropping talent exhibited through each track, it’s also quite remarkable how one teenager is able to accompany so many hairstyles.
Colllier has a few more covers that are worthy of attention: Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory’s “Pure Imagination,” Oklahoma’s “Oh What a Beautiful Morning,” and Linda Scott’s “I’ve Told Every Star,” from the movie Mulholland Drive.
Photo via Jacob Collier/YouTube
