Stevie Wonder facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Stevie Wonder
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Wonder in 2019
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Stevland Hardaway Judkins
May 13, 1950 Saginaw, Michigan, U.S.
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| Other names | Little Stevie Wonder (1962–1964) |
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| Years active | 1961–present |
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Kai Millard
(m. 2001; div. 2015)Tomeeka Bracy
(m. 2017) |
| Children | 9 |
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Stevie Wonder is an inspiring American musician, singer, and songwriter. Many people consider him one of the greatest creative artists in the history of popular music. He was born on May 13, 1950, with the name Stevland Hardaway Judkins. Wonder has been blind since he was a tiny baby. Even though he could not see, he loved sound from an early age. He taught himself how to play many musical instruments, including the piano, the harmonica, and the drums. Because of his amazing gifts, people called him a child prodigy.
When he was only 11 years old, he joined the famous record company called Motown. At first, he performed under the stage name Little Stevie Wonder. When he was 13 years old, his lively song "Fingertips" climbed all the way to number one on the music charts. That made him the youngest solo performer ever to reach the top spot on the Billboard Hot 100. Over the years, he created many beloved styles of music by combining soul, funk, R&B, and pop music.
During the 1970s, Wonder entered a famous period of his career called his "classic period." During these years, he took complete control over his sound. He used exciting new electronic gadgets, especially keyboard devices called synthesizers. Wonder wrote full collections of songs known as concept albums during the album era. In these records, he shared positive messages about love, unity, and fairness. Albums like Innervisions and Songs in the Key of Life earned massive praise around the world.
Wonder has sold over 100 million records across the globe. He is one of the best-selling music artists of all time. He has earned 25 Grammy Awards, which is an amazing record for a solo male artist. He also won an Academy Award for writing a famous movie tune. In addition to making music, Wonder worked hard as a peaceful leader for human rights. He helped create a national American holiday celebrating the civil rights hero Martin Luther King Jr.
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Early Life and Musical Beginnings
Wonder was born in the city of Saginaw, Michigan. His mother was named Lula Mae Hardaway, and he was the third of five children. Because he arrived six weeks early, doctors placed the tiny baby into a hospital incubator. The incubator had high levels of oxygen that damaged his growing eyes. This condition is called retinopathy of prematurity. It caused the inside lining of his eyes, called the retina, to stop growing properly, which made him completely blind.
When Wonder was four years old, his family moved away to the busy city of Detroit. His mother worked hard to care for the children. Wonder joined the Whitestone Baptist Church choir with his family. He loved singing church songs, and by age eight, he was singing as a soloist. Singing in church taught him how to bring deep feelings and energy into his voice.
Even as a small boy, Wonder showed a magical curiosity for every object that made sound. He loved banging on pots, pans, and toy drums. Soon, he learned to play real musical instruments all on his own. He mastered the harmonica, the piano, and full drum sets before he was ten years old. Wonder teamed up with a neighborhood friend, and they played upbeat tunes on street corners and at neighborhood parties.
Wonder attended Fitzgerald Elementary School in Detroit. In 1961, when his family signed his first music contract, his legal last name was changed to Morris. Later, to help him learn safely while growing up, he attended the Michigan School for the Blind in Lansing, Michigan. There, he studied reading with braille, learned school subjects, and practiced his beloved musical instruments every single day.
The Motown Years
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In 1961, an exciting chance changed Wonder's life forever. A friendly musician named Ronnie White, who sang with the group the Miracles, heard the 11-year-old boy sing. White was amazed by the boy's joyful talent. He brought young Stevie and his mother to try out for Berry Gordy, the head of the famous Motown record company. Gordy was amazed by the boy's ability and quickly signed him to Motown's Tamla record label.
A talented Motown songwriter named Clarence Paul helped guide the young musician. Paul thought the boy's talent was a true marvel, so he gave him the stage name "Little Stevie Wonder." Because Wonder was still a child, Motown saved most of his earnings in a safe bank trust. Motown gave him a small weekly allowance of $2.50 to buy treats. The company also hired a personal tutor so he could do his schoolwork while traveling.
Wonder worked with Clarence Paul to make his first records. His first recorded project was Tribute to Uncle Ray. This record honored another great blind musician named Ray Charles. Next, he created an instrumental collection called The Jazz Soul of Little Stevie. While these early records showed his skills, they did not sell very many copies at first. Wonder kept working hard, learning how studio recording worked.
Breakthrough with Fingertips
At the end of 1962, Wonder joined a traveling concert group called the Motortown Revue. The group traveled by bus to perform at famous theaters on the historic "Chitlin' Circuit." During a lively performance at the Regal Theater in Chicago, sound technicians recorded his live show. Wonder played a wild harmonica solo, danced around the stage, and sang with massive excitement.
Motown released this thrilling concert as an album called Recorded Live: The 12 Year Old Genius in 1963. The single from the concert, named "Fingertips," became a gigantic smash hit. Wonder was only 13 years old when the song soared to number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. It also reached number one on the R&B charts, proving that listeners everywhere loved his lively energy.
As Wonder grew into a teenager, his voice naturally began to change deeper. Motown leaders worried that fans might lose interest in him. A clever songwriter named Sylvia Moy believed in Wonder's long-term future. She convinced Motown to keep working with him. Moy helped Wonder craft a brand-new, upbeat dance hit called "Uptight (Everything's Alright)" in 1965.
The success of "Uptight" proved that Wonder was not just a passing child star. He dropped the word "Little" from his name and became known simply as Stevie Wonder. He recorded a popular version of the Bob Dylan song "Blowin' in the Wind" and sang "With a Child's Heart." Wonder also showed great skill writing hits for other artists, including the famous song "The Tears of a Clown" for Smokey Robinson and the Miracles.
Growing Hits and New Musical Freedom
Between 1967 and 1970, Wonder scored many great hits on radio stations. He worked closely with a songwriter named Henry Cosby. Together, they wrote popular songs like "I Was Made to Love Her" and "My Cherie Amour." Wonder also recorded the lively anthem "For Once in My Life," which became an instant classic around the world.
In 1968, Wonder released a fun instrumental jazz album named Eivets Rednow. The title was his own name spelled backward. He also traveled to Europe, singing at the Sanremo Music Festival in Italy. In 1969, he performed at the famous Harlem Cultural Festival, which was later featured in the award-winning music documentary film Summer of Soul.
In 1970, Wonder produced his own song for the first time, titled "Signed, Sealed, Delivered I'm Yours." Wonder wanted more freedom to make music his own way instead of following strict company rules. He also co-wrote the popular song "It's a Shame" for the vocal group the Spinners. When Wonder turned 21 years old in May 1971, his original Motown contract ended. He used this special moment to demand complete creative freedom over his songs.
The Classic Period (1972–1976)
The years between 1972 and 1976 are celebrated as Wonder's "classic period." During this magical stretch of five years, Wonder created some of the most influential music ever heard. In September 1970, he married a talented singer and writer named Syreeta Wright. Together, they worked on an album called Where I'm Coming From, exploring real-world topics about peace and caring for others.
Wonder became fascinated by brand-new electronic instruments called synthesizers. Synthesizers could produce completely new sounds that traditional instruments could not make. Wonder met two brilliant electronic instrument designers named Robert Margouleff and Malcolm Cecil. They had built a massive electronic instrument system nicknamed TONTO, which stood for "The Original New Timbral Orchestra." TONTO combined parts from famous instruments like the Moog and the ARP 2600.
Wonder loved how synthesizers let him paint pictures with sound. Using these machines, he could play almost every part of a song himself, including the bass line, the melody, and unusual background sound effects. He signed an exciting new agreement with Motown that gave him complete artistic freedom. This meant he could decide what his songs sounded like, what topics he sang about, and which musicians played with him.
Music of My Mind and Talking Book
In March 1972, Wonder released Music of My Mind. On this album, he played most of the instruments himself, acting as a real one-man band. The record featured new songs like "Superwoman (Where Were You When I Needed You)" and "Keep On Running." That summer, Wonder joined the famous rock group The Rolling Stones as their support act during their American Tour 1972. Performing for their huge crowds helped many rock fans discover his exciting funk sound.
Later that same year, in October 1972, Wonder released a landmark album titled Talking Book. This record became an enormous success. It featured the famous song "Superstition," which had a funky, bouncy rhythm played on an electronic keyboard called the Hohner Clavinet. "Superstition" climbed to number one on the charts. Another gentle, cheerful song from the record, "You Are the Sunshine of My Life," also reached number one.
The album Talking Book won three Grammy Award trophies. Wonder showed that keyboards and electronic instruments could make warm, emotional music. He used his lyrics to talk about love, friendship, and staying away from harmful superstitions.
Innervisions and Recovery from Accident
In August 1973, Wonder released another masterpiece album called Innervisions. This album dealt with important topics such as city life, hope, and social problems. The song "Higher Ground" used a unique bouncing keyboard sound to share a message about becoming a better person. Another song, "Living for the City," told a story about a young person facing unfair treatment in a crowded city.
Just three days after Innervisions arrived in stores, tragedy struck. On August 6, 1973, Wonder was traveling on Interstate 85 in North Carolina during a tour. The car he was riding in collided with a flatbed truck. Wonder suffered serious injuries, including a fractured skull, and remained in a coma for four days. Fans around the world prayed for him to wake up.
Fortunately, Wonder recovered with help from his caring friends and family. Even though he temporarily lost some senses like smell and taste, his musical mind stayed sharp. Just a few weeks after leaving the hospital, he surprised fans by performing on stage with Elton John at Boston Garden. In November 1973, he played a special concert to help Shaw University, a historic school in Raleigh, North Carolina.
Innervisions was celebrated as one of the best records ever made. At the Grammy Awards in 1974, the album won the top prize: Album of the Year. Wonder became a musical hero for his strength, positivity, and artistic courage.
Fulfillingness' First Finale and Songs in the Key of Life
Wonder followed up in July 1974 with the album Fulfillingness' First Finale. This record included upbeat hits like "You Haven't Done Nothin'" and the joyful, dancing rhythm of "Boogie On Reggae Woman." Once again, the record proved wildly popular. At the next Grammy ceremony, it won Wonder his second trophy for Album of the Year. Wonder also participated in friendly musical jam sessions with former Beatles stars John Lennon and Paul McCartney.
In 1976, Wonder delivered what many critics consider his greatest musical achievement: the double-album masterpiece Songs in the Key of Life. Wonder spent more than two years perfecting the 21 songs on this release. When it came out in September 1976, it debuted directly at number one on the sales charts, staying at the top for 14 weeks.
The record included wonderful hit songs that are still popular today:
- "Sir Duke," a swinging, brass-filled song honoring the famous jazz musician Duke Ellington.
- "I Wish," an upbeat dance tune remembering the simple fun of growing up as a kid.
- "Isn't She Lovely," a heartwarming song celebrating the birth of his baby daughter, Aisha.
- "Love's in Need of Love Today," a gentle song asking people everywhere to share kindness and compassion.
Songs in the Key of Life won the Album of the Year award in 1977. This gave Wonder the record for winning Album of the Year with three consecutive album releases. Around this time, Wonder also became interested in new inventions for the blind. He began using the Kurzweil Reading Machine, an early device created by Ray Kurzweil that read printed books out loud using optical character recognition.
The 1980s: Global Superstardom and Activism
Wonder began the 1980s by continuing to explore innovative electronic technology. In 1979, he released the soundtrack Stevie Wonder's Journey Through "The Secret Life of Plants". This was his first digital recording, and he used an early electronic sound sampler called the Computer Music Melodian. He also used a high-tech instrument called the Fairlight CMI during live concerts.
In 1980, Wonder released the hit album Hotter than July. The album featured the popular reggae-inspired track "Master Blaster (Jammin')" and the thoughtful ballad "Lately." It also included an upbeat celebration song called "Happy Birthday." Wonder wrote this song specifically to lead a nationwide campaign to turn civil rights hero Martin Luther King Jr.'s birthday into a federal holiday. Thanks in large part to Wonder's rallies, songs, and speeches, the United States government made it an official national holiday in 1983.
Wonder had many big musical partnerships during the 1980s. In 1982, he joined former Beatle Paul McCartney to sing "Ebony and Ivory." The song used the black and white keys of a piano as a positive metaphor for people of different backgrounds living together in peace. It became a huge number-one hit across the globe. That same year, Wonder released Stevie Wonder's Original Musiquarium, which included hits like "That Girl" and the beautiful love song "Ribbon in the Sky."
Movie Music and Charity Projects
In 1984, Wonder wrote the music for the comedy film The Woman in Red. The main song from the film, "I Just Called to Say I Love You," became one of the most successful songs in pop music history. It went straight to number one in both the United States and the United Kingdom. In 1985, the song won the Academy Award for Best Song. When Wonder accepted his Oscar, he dedicated the award to Nelson Mandela, who was working for civil rights in South Africa.
Wonder also gave his musical talent to help people in need. In 1985, he sang on the famous charity record "We Are the World," performing alongside stars like Michael Jackson, Bruce Springsteen, and Lionel Richie to raise money for hungry families. In 1986, he sang with Dionne Warwick, Elton John, and Gladys Knight on the hit charity song "That's What Friends Are For," raising money for medical research.
In 1985, Wonder released the album In Square Circle, which featured the energetic dance hit "Part-Time Lover" and the ballad "Overjoyed." In 1987, he released the album Characters, which included the popular songs "Skeletons" and a duet with Michael Jackson called "Get It."
The 1990s and Beyond
During the 1990s, Wonder continued to make music, though he released albums at a slower, more relaxed pace. In 1991, he wrote a full soundtrack album for film director Spike Lee's movie Jungle Fever. In 1995, he released the studio album Conversation Peace, featuring the upbeat, award-winning song "For Your Love." He followed this with a live concert album titled Natural Wonder.
Wonder traveled across the world to share his music and support important causes. In 1992, he traveled to the African nation of Ghana to perform at a cultural music festival named Panafest. He felt an immediate, strong bond with the country and its welcoming people. In 1996, Wonder sang for millions of sports fans during the 1996 Summer Olympics closing ceremony in Atlanta, Georgia. In 1999, he performed during the lively Super Bowl XXXIII halftime show.
Wonder continued to collaborate with younger artists who grew up loving his music. He sang with Whitney Houston on "We Didn't Know," joined singer Babyface on "How Come, How Long," and played his signature harmonica on Sting's popular tune "Brand New Day."
Into the 21st Century
In October 2005, Wonder released A Time to Love, his first full studio album in ten years. The record included songs like "So What the Fuss" and "From the Bottom of My Heart," which earned him another Grammy Award. He also recorded a charming duet version of "For Once in My Life" with the veteran singer Tony Bennett.
Wonder performed at several historic world celebrations during the 2000s:
- The opening ceremony of the 2002 Winter Paralympics in Salt Lake City.
- The gigantic charity Live 8 concert in Philadelphia in 2005.
- The pre-game entertainment show for Super Bowl XL in 2006.
- The special Obama Inaugural Celebration at the Lincoln Memorial in 2009.
- The opening ceremony of the 2011 Special Olympics World Summer Games in Athens, Greece.
Between 2007 and 2010, Wonder set out on major concert tours, visiting cities across North America, Europe, Australia, and New Zealand. Fans packed large stadiums to hear him sing his classic songs. In 2009, President Barack Obama presented Wonder with the prestigious Gershwin Prize for Popular Song from the Library of Congress. That same year, the United Nations named him a Messenger of Peace to champion the rights of people with disabilities worldwide.
Wonder remained active into recent years. In 2020, he released two meaningful songs, "Can't Put It in the Hands of Fate" and "Where Is Our Love Song," to help raise money for the charity group Feeding America. In 2021, fans enjoyed watching classic, historic footage of his teenage drumming and singing in the acclaimed music documentary Summer of Soul. In August 2024, he released a hopeful song titled "Can We Fix Our Nation's Broken Heart," and in September 2026, he celebrated the 50th anniversary of his greatest record by sharing four vintage tracks on Songs in the Key of Life - The EP.
Musical Style, Inventions, and Influence
Wonder is famous for his incredible musical versatility. He does not just sing; he is a master of rhythm, melody, and harmony. While most pop stars work with large teams of musicians, Wonder often wrote the words, arranged the parts, and recorded every instrument himself in the studio.
Wonder can play a vast assortment of instruments with remarkable skill:
- Keyboards and Pianos: He is known for playing the acoustic piano, the electric piano, the Hohner Clavinet, and the church organ.
- Harmonica: Wonder is widely considered one of the best chromatic harmonica players in history, known for his fast, cheerful solos.
- Drums and Percussion: He is a powerful drummer who also plays Latin instruments like the congas and bongos.
- Modern Instruments: He loves using innovative tools, such as the harpejji, a stringed instrument played by tapping the strings on a flat board.
Wonder changed how musicians use electronic instruments. Before the 1970s, many people thought electronic synthesizers sounded cold or robotic. Wonder proved that synthesizers could feel warm, funky, and alive with emotion. In 1982, he challenged inventor Ray Kurzweil to build a digital keyboard that could realistically reproduce the natural sounds of orchestral instruments. This partnership led to the creation of the famous Kurzweil K250 keyboard, which changed the music industry forever.
Wonder's songs also delivered deep, educational messages. Instead of only singing about simple romance, he wrote about caring for the poor, fighting racism, celebrating family, and trusting in love. Many famous artists have named Wonder as their biggest musical role model, including Michael Jackson, Elton John, and Beyoncé.
Personal Life
Wonder has been married three times. His first marriage was to fellow songwriter Syreeta Wright from 1970 to 1972. They remained close friends and musical partners for years afterward. Later, he was married to fashion designer Kai Millard from 2001 to 2015. In 2017, Wonder married Tomeeka Bracy.
Wonder is the proud father of nine children. His oldest daughter, Aisha Morris, was born in 1975. She inspired his famous song "Isn't She Lovely." Aisha grew up to be a talented singer herself and has performed on tour with her father. Several of his other children are also creative artists and musicians, including his son Kailand, who plays the drums.
Wonder cares deeply about his health and kindness toward animals. He follows a vegan lifestyle, eating only plant-based foods. In 2019, Wonder underwent a successful kidney transplant surgery, quickly bouncing back with his usual energy and humor.
Wonder has always stayed close to his faith, attending Baptist churches and expressing spiritual themes of love and unity in his music. He has also maintained a strong love for the continent of Africa. On May 13, 2024, on his 74th birthday, President Nana Akufo-Addo of Ghana officially granted Wonder Ghanaian citizenship during a ceremony at Jubilee House in Accra.
Honors and Major Awards
Wonder has earned some of the highest honors a musician or humanitarian can receive. In 1989, he was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, and he is also a member of the Songwriters Hall of Fame. In 1994, he received his own star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
Wonder's major career awards include:
- 25 Grammy Awards, including the prestigious Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award.
- Three wins for Album of the Year for Innervisions, Fulfillingness' First Finale, and Songs in the Key of Life.
- An Academy Award for Best Song in 1985 for "I Just Called to Say I Love You."
- The prestigious Polar Music Prize in Sweden in 1999.
- The Kennedy Center Honors in 1999 for his contributions to American culture.
- The Library of Congress Gershwin Prize for Popular Song, presented by President Barack Obama in 2009.
- The Presidential Medal of Freedom, the highest civilian honor in the United States, awarded in 2014.
Wonder has also been awarded honorary doctorate degrees from many famous colleges and universities, including Brown University, Yale University, Northwestern University, and Rutgers University. Cities have named streets after him, including "Stevie Wonder Avenue" in his beloved hometown of Detroit, honoring a musician whose songs brought joy to the entire world.
Famous Albums
Wonder has released dozens of memorable albums throughout his long career. Some of his most famous studio records include:
- The Jazz Soul of Little Stevie (1962)
- Tribute to Uncle Ray (1962)
- Up-Tight (1966)
- For Once in My Life (1968)
- My Cherie Amour (1969)
- Signed, Sealed & Delivered (1970)
- Where I'm Coming From (1971)
- Music of My Mind (1972)
- Talking Book (1972)
- Innervisions (1973)
- Fulfillingness' First Finale (1974)
- Songs in the Key of Life (1976)
- Stevie Wonder's Journey Through "The Secret Life of Plants" (1979)
- Hotter than July (1980)
- The Woman in Red (1984)
- In Square Circle (1985)
- Characters (1987)
- Conversation Peace (1995)
- A Time to Love (2005)
See also
In Spanish: Stevie Wonder para niños
- List of Billboard Hot 100 chart achievements and milestones
- List of artists who reached number one on the Hot 100 (U.S.)
