Stevie Wonder was born Steveland Judkins (he later changed his name to Stevland Morris) in Saginaw, Michigan on May 13, 1958. He was born blind because of the premature development of his eye, causing the blood vessels to detach from the retina. He never let any of his obstacles stop him. He went on to learn to play piano, harmonica, congas, drums, and guitar at an early
age.
In 1961, Stevie was brought to the attenion of Barry Gordy, Motown Records founder, by Ronnie White of the Miracles. Gordy was impressed by Stevie and signed him to a contract. He was given the moniker \"Little\" Stevie Wonder.
Wonder\'s first hit, \"Fingertips Pt. 2\", was released in 1963 and was a U.S. #1. Stevie\'s other 1960\'s hits included \"Uptight (Everything\'s Alright)\", \"With a Child\'s Heart\", and \"Blowin\' In The Wind\" (originally recorded by Bob Dylan). At this time, Stevie also began to write songs for other Motown artists.
Stevie started the 1970\'s the same way he ended the 60\'s. He had major hits with \"My Cherie Amour\" and \"Signed, Sealed, Delivered (I\'m Yours)\". On September 14 1970, Stevie married Syreeta Wright, a member of his Wonderlove background group. They divorced eighteen months later, but continued to work together for years.
After bitter disputes with Berry Gordy over creative control of his music, Stevie let his Motown contract expire and recorded two independent albums, but not before releasing \"Where I\'m Coming From\", which Gordy did not want released. The label submitted to his demands, and he went on to release the acclaimed, self-written, produced, and performed 70\'s albums \"Music of My Mind\", \"Talking Book\", \"Innervisions\", \"Fulfillingness\' First Finale\", \"Songs in the Key of Life\", and \"Journey Through the Secret Life of Plants\". These albums earned Stevie 15 Grammy awards.
Stevie had hit albums in the 80\'s also, including \"Hotter than July\", \"Original Musiquarium\" (a double album of his self-produced hits from the 70\'s and four newly recorded tracks), \"In Square Circle\", and \"Characters\". He also rallied for the establishment of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day and other worthwhile causes.
In 1995, Stevie returned with the album \"Conversation Peace\", and after a ten year break released \"A Time To Love\", which featured the singles \"So What The Fuss\" and \"From The Bottom Of My Heart\".
In all wonder has had more than 30 Top Ten hits, 9 #1 U.S. hits, sold over 70 million albums, and won 24 Grammys. He was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 1989 and the Songwriters Hall of Fame. Stevie was a also awarded Billboard\'s Century Award in 2004. |
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