Stevie Wonder was no stranger to fame by 1976.
The pop singer had his first big hit in 1963 with “Fingertips, Part II.” The single helped give Motown Records its very first No. 1 album, appropriately named “The 12 Year Old Genius” for the blind boy behind the track.
So, by 1976, Wonder had been around the block a few times, but his album from that year, “Songs in the Key of Life,” served to solidify his reputation. The record won a Grammy for album of the year and produced a string of hits, including “Isn’t She Lovely” and “Sir Duke.”
Though the albums message of peace and harmony can come off, oh, let’s say a tad heavy-handed — the lead song on the album, after all, is called “Love’s In Need of Love Today” — it remains a classic in large part thanks to its earnest sentiments.
Now, Wonder is touring behind the album, playing the classic album in its entirety. He’ll visit KeyArena at 8 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 3.
Fans can expect to hear the record, and may get surprised with a track or two that doesn’t appear on the album. During his kick-off date in New York City, he played “Superstition.” So far, the tour has been earning rave reviews and selling out stadiums. Wonder, it appears, remains just that.
Tickets are $50.90 to $166.62 at ticketmaster.com or 800-745-3000.
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A half-dozen acts also will hit the Moore Theatre as part of 106.1 KISS FM’s Jingle Ball, with the festivities set to begin at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 2.
The line-up includes several Seattle favorites. Mary Lambert headlines the bill — the singer, who grew up in Everett, made a splash when she sang the hook on Macklemore and Ryan Lewis’ gay marriage anthem “Same Love.” She’s since released her own album, “Heart on My Sleeve,” featuring the single “Secrets.”
Fences is also on the bill. The Seattle-based indie pop singer also got a boost from Macklemore and Lewis — the pair are featured on his new single, “Arrows,” helping propel the song up the Rock and Pop charts.
And Lindsey Stirling, the pop violinist, will play a set. Stirling first won a following thanks to performances she posted to YouTube of her classical take on pop hits. Now a star in her own right, she saw her most recent album, “Shatter Me,” debut at No. 2 on the Billboard 200.
Other acts appearing include Magic!, Rixton and Jake Miller, each able to claim their own success on the pop charts.
Tickets are $22.50 to $47.25 at stgpresents.org or 877-784-4849.
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Noah Gundersen also will hit the Moore Theatre for a solo show at 8 Friday night, Nov. 28.
A native of Olympia, the 25-year-old singer has won a following with his take on neo-folk, by turns both thoughtful and raw. He’s touring now behind his solo debut, “Ledges,” which made a small dent in the Billboard 200, where it appeared at No. 100.
Tickets are $22.50 at stgpresents.org or 877-784-4849.
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Asking Alexandria will head to the Showbox SoDo for a concert at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 2.
The English alt-metal act formed in 2008, but didn’t make a true mark until three years later. It’s 2011 album, “Reckless and Relentless,” hit No. 9 on the Billboard 200. It followed that album up with “From Death to Destiny,” which reached No. 5 on the charts.
Tickets are $25.50 at showboxonline.com or 888-929-7849.
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Finally, slam-poet-turned-rapper Watsky will hit the Showbox at 8 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 3.
The voluble emcee first came to national attention after appearing on the HBO show “Russell Simmons Presents Def Poetry.” He’s since released three albums and signed with a major label. He’s touring now behind his latest album, “All You Can Do,” which reached No. 33 on the charts.
Tickets are $16 at showboxonline.com or 888-929-7849.
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