The standoff between Stevie Wonder and Motown founder
Berry Gordy
lasted a little over a month. From May 14 to late June 1971, Mr. Wonder refused to renew his Motown contract unless he was given complete artistic freedom, a more favorable cut of royalties, a sizable advance, annual guarantees and a new music-publishing deal.
Mr. Wonder and his attorney had the upper hand. Upon turning 21 on May 13, Mr. Wonder gained legal control of nearly $1 million in royalties Motown had held in escrow for him since 1961, after he first signed with the label. He also had begun recording two new albums’ worth of songs on his own. Fearing Mr. Wonder would sign with another label, Mr. Gordy quickly came to terms with the artist on July 1.
The following March, Motown released Mr. Wonder’s “Music of My Mind,” a modestly successful album. Next came…
