It was clearly an emotional evening for Stevie, and probably the most poignant display I’ve ever witnessed at a concert. Not only is he a consummate entertainer, but he also wears his heart on his sleeve. And on this night, he struggled at times with the loss of his friend. At one point early on, Stevie wept uncontrollably while a Michael Jackson song played over the sound system. It wasn’t until his daughter comforted him a few moments later that he regained his composure and was able to continue.

For the predominantly boomer audience, Stevie was a significant figure in the soundtrack of our lives. And the second half of the show was packed with the hits we love so dearly. “Don’t You Worry ‘Bout a Thing,” “My Cheri Amour” and “Isn’t She Lovely” all sent chills up and down my spine.

A fabulous medley of “Uptight (Everything’s Alright),” “For Once in My Life,” “Signed, Sealed Delivered,” “Living for the City” and “Overjoyed” left the adoring throng in a state of bliss.

Stevie closed by rocking the house with one of my favorites, “Superstition,” which led into a moving “We Are the World.” Crooner John Legend also joined Stevie onstage a few times, and his beautiful vocals were a welcome addition.

The evening ended with Stevie and the band huddled together and dancing to a recorded medley of Michael Jackson’s hits, which I thought was an appropriate way to send us home.