On this day in 1973, [lastfm link_type="artist_info"]Stevie Wonder[/lastfm]‘s classic song “Superstition” climbed all the way to #1 on the charts. However, he likely couldn’t have done it without the help of legendary guitarist [lastfm link_type="artist_info"]Jeff Beck[/lastfm].

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That’s right. Although, Wonder is credited with the lyrics, production, vocals, and most of the instrumentals on the track, without Jeff Beck the song would have been missing, arguably, it’s most important element – the song’s distinctive drumbeat.

Beck constructed the beat while working with the R&B legend on his 1972 album, Talking Book.

After writing the lyrics to “Superstition,” Stevie Wonder offered the track to Beck. However, Wonder’s manager had the foresight to realize the song would be a major hit and requested that his artist record the song first.

In return, Wonder gave Beck the song “Cause We’ve Ended as Lovers,” which the guitarist recorded on his 1975 album Blow by Blow.

In the end, Stevie Wonder would ultimately be credited with “Superstition” that defined not only his career, but maybe an entire generation of R&B.

He can thank some of its success, in part, to Jeff Beck…which I’m sure he already has!

Stevie Wonder w/ Jeff Beck, “Superstition”