Obama reveals Stevie Wonder passion

Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama has revealed that Stevie Wonder is his "musical hero".

The potential next US President told Rolling Stone that the soul singer was his favourite musician when he was growing up in the 1970s.

"When I was at that point where you start getting involved in music, Stevie had that run with Music Of My Mind, Talking Book, Fulfillingness' First Finale and Innervisions, and then Songs In The Key Of Life," he said.

Other acts on Obama's iPod include Sheryl Crow, Howlin' Wolf, The Rolling Stones, Elton John and Earth, Wind & Fire.

When asked for his opinion on hip-hop music, he commented: "I am troubled sometimes by the misogyny and materialism of a lot of rap lyrics but I think the genius of the art form has shifted the culture and helped to desegregate music."

However, the senator claimed that he is impressed by the business skills of hip-hop moguls like Jay-Z and Russell Simmons. He called the duo "great talents and great businessmen".