Isn't He Lovely

Wonder is certainly no critic. "Stevie, on countless occasions, has come to my defense," Lewis says. "It's been great talking to him because he's a big part of how I've identified with myself as an artist and the things that I gravitate to naturally and the things I've learned about music, or just learned about life [as] a whole. He's just that kind of a teacher."

As Wonder is a teacher, a mentor, an Our Miss Brooks -- if you will -- to Lewis, Lewis is looking to become the same to the Canadian soul singers of tomorrow. "At the end of the day, it's about the music. And when you make good music, it's undeniable, and eventually I think we'll break through, but it's gonna take time."

Hey, if there are any other cats up there who are just as talented as Lewis, somebody should put them in the trunk of their car and sneak them across the border.