"[8] The unique wah-wah clavinet sound in the song was achieved with a Mu-Tron III envelope filter pedal.

[9] The bass line is provided by a Moog synthesizer and using overdubs, Wonder played all instruments on the track, including drums and percussion.

[citation needed] On August 21, 2024, Wonder performed "Higher Ground" at the 2024 Democratic National Convention in support of Vice President Kamala Harris and her campaign to become the next President of the United States in the 2024 United States presidential election.

Early in Wonder's recovery, his road manager sang the song's melody into the singer's ear; Wonder responded by moving his fingers with the music.

The funk rock band Red Hot Chili Peppers released a cover as the first single[28] from their fourth studio album Mother's Milk.

It has been featured in films, TV shows and video games, including Mighty Morphin Power Rangers: The Movie,[29] Beavis and Butthead,[30] Center Stage,[31] The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air,[32] Walking Tall,[33] The Longest Yard,[34] The Karate Kid,[35] The Change-Up,[36] Rocksmith[37] and Guitar Hero Live.