Stevie Wonder, a 2005 disaster, and the song he called “a gift” from God
Stevie Wonder said God gave him the song ‘Shelter in the Rain’, which he wrote amid personal bereavements and the devastation caused by Hurricane Katrina. The song matters as a moving expression of grief and compassion, connecting his loss with the suffering of people whose homes and communities were destroyed.
The track was written in late 2004 and early 2005 as a tribute to Wonder’s brother, Larry Hardaway, and former wife and collaborator Syreeta Wright. Although it was not directly about Katrina, Wonder said the hurricane’s impact stirred feelings similar to those he had experienced after his loved ones died. He donated all proceeds from the album *A Time to Love* to charities aiding the hurricane’s victims.
- Wonder described ‘Shelter in the Rain’ as a gift from God.
- He wrote it in memory of Larry Hardaway and Syreeta Wright.
- Album proceeds went to charities helping Hurricane Katrina victims.
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Stevie Wonder is an American singer and songwriter whose career spans decades. In late 2004 and early 2005, he wrote “Shelter in the Rain” in memory of his brother Larry Hardaway and former wife and musical collaborator Syreeta Wright.
Hurricane Katrina struck the United States Gulf Coast in 2005, destroying homes and communities and leaving many people in need of help. Wonder said the disaster brought back feelings of loss, though the song was not written specifically about the hurricane.
Wonder described the song as a gift from God. He donated proceeds from his album *A Time to Love* to charities helping people affected by Katrina.