Stevie surprises Tulane graduates

NEW ORLEANS (AP) — Stevie Wonder (photo) surprised graduates at Tulane University with an impromptu performance of his hit You Are The Sunshine of My Life, during ceremonies at which he also received an honorary degree. 

Nobel Laureate Walter Gilbert and award-winning journalist Cokie Roberts also received degrees during the commencement exercises for 2,300 students. New York Times columnist and Pulitzer Prize winning author Thomas Friedman was the keynote speaker.

As Michael White’s Original Liberty Jazz Band and singer Topsy Chapman performed Do You Know What It Means to Miss New Orleans, Stevie unexpectedly added his harmonica magic to the song. He also briefly addressed the graduates and recited the words of a new song he has penned called Ten Billion Hearts.

University spokesman Michael Strecker says the audience received an “unexpected treat.”