New York City brought social conscious music fans its sixth installation of the annual Global Citizen Festival on Saturday, September 23, and with it, hosted the great Stevie Wonder as headliner. While the majority of those on hand were likely born a couple of generations too late to know his work beyond the hallmark hits that have made Stevie a timeless wonder, there was perhaps no more fitting artist for the occasion in these politically charged times. Attendees got to see the 67-year-old songwriter/composer take leadership, first hand, when he opened up his set by encouraging the world to unite against social ills, before taking a knee.

“Tonight, I’m taking a knee for America,” said Stevie. “But not just one knee, I’m taking both knees. Both knees and pray for our planet, our future, our leaders of the world and our globe." He had just gotten through calling for the people to "stand down bigotry" and "condemn sexism" when his son Kwame came on stage to help him down. “We must take care of each other, and this planet. If we don’t, we could lose the ultimate video game of life,” he said.

With such classics as “Higher Ground,” “Signed, Sealed, Delivered I’m Yours,” and “Overjoyed,” Stevie capped a night off that included performances from Pharrell Williams, Green Day, The Killers, Alessia Cara, The Lumineers and the Chainsmokers.