Stevie Wonder was born Stevland Hardaway Judkins on May 13, 1950, in Saginaw, Michigan, and later changed his surname to Morris, which is his legal surname.
He was born six weeks premature, which led to a condition called retinopathy of prematurity, causing him to lose his sight shortly after birth.
Stevie Wonder signed with Motown’s Tamla label at the age of 11, and by 13, he had his first major hit with 'Fingertips (Pt. 2),' making him the youngest artist to top the Billboard Hot 100.
He is a multi-instrumentalist, known for playing the piano, harmonica, drums, and various other instruments, often performing most of the instruments on his recordings.
Stevie Wonder's 1970s albums, including 'Innervisions,' 'Songs in the Key of Life,' and 'Talking Book,' are considered some of the greatest albums in popular music history.
He has won 25 Grammy Awards, making him one of the most awarded artists in Grammy history, and he also received a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 1996.
Stevie Wonder was a prominent advocate for making Martin Luther King Jr.'s birthday a national holiday, and his song 'Happy Birthday' became an anthem for the campaign.
Wonder's socially conscious songs, such as 'Living for the City' and 'Higher Ground,' have addressed issues like racism, poverty, and spirituality, reflecting his deep commitment to social justice.
In addition to his music career, Stevie Wonder has been involved in numerous charitable activities, particularly those related to disabilities, children, and famine relief.
His album 'Songs in the Key of Life' is often regarded as his magnum opus and includes hits like 'Isn't She Lovely,' 'Sir Duke,' and 'I Wish.'
Stevie Wonder has been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, the Songwriters Hall of Fame, and received the Presidential Medal of Freedom from President Barack Obama in 2014.
He is known for his improvisational skills and often performs spontaneous renditions of songs during live performances, showcasing his musical versatility.
Stevie Wonder is one of the best-selling music artists of all time, with over 100 million records sold worldwide.
He collaborated with Paul McCartney on the hit single 'Ebony and Ivory,' which promoted racial harmony and became a number-one hit in several countries.
Despite his many achievements, Stevie Wonder continues to create and perform music, remaining a vital and influential figure in the music industry.