The song, one of many of Wonder's songs to feature the use of a keyboard synthesizer, features Wonder lamenting the fact that anyone would oppose the idea of a Dr. It was not released in the United States, but is still regarded as one of his signature songs. It was one of his most popular entries in the UK Singles Chart. 'Happy Birthday' was released as the fourth single of Wonder's Hotter than July (1980) album in June 1981. The song has since become a standard for use during birthdays in general, particularly among African-Americans. become a national holiday, and created this single to promulgate the cause. Wonder, a social activist, was one of the main figures in the campaign to have the birthday of Martin Luther King Jr. ' Happy Birthday' is a song written, produced and performed by Stevie Wonder for the Motown label. Excerpts from Martin Luther King's speeches (12-inch).