Publication: Cybersleaze [Internet]
Date: May 20, 1997
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Title: From Cybersleaze
Written By: Staff

STEVIE WONDER chalked up his 47th birthday in a pool hall - and ended up singing for his supper. The soul sensation was surprised with a lavish birthday bash at THE HOLLYWOOD ATHLETIC CLUB after being enticed to the secret venue by basketball pal SHAQUILLE O'NEAL. The LA LAKERS hotshot, who is starting a rap career, pretended to Wonder he was taking him out for a beer at the trendy celebrity hang-out. So Wonder was amazed when 400 guests, including THE ARTIST FORMERLY KNOWN AS PRINCE, toasted his birthday. And the star was so overwhelmed that he gave an hour-long show with a 12-piece band. A Hollywood Athletic Club staff member explains, "Stevie was totally shocked by the party. When he found out there was a band, he chatted to the conductor and ended up giving a funky gig for all his friends." TAFKAP, a fervent fan of the MOTOWN marvel, made a late appearance, arriving with an entourage of 20 people. But he stayed out of the limelight and sat at the back of the 1920's pool hall on his own. Also attending the Hollywood bash on Sunday were actors GARY BUSEY and WESLEY SNIPES.