Role

:

Composer  

Country

:

United States of America

Birth

:

May 13, 1950 in Saginaw, MI

 

Stevie Wonder is a legendary American musician, singer, songwriter, and record producer who has made an indelible mark on the world of music. Born Stevland Hardaway Judkins on May 13, 1950, in Saginaw, Michigan, he was the third of six children. He was born six weeks premature, which caused him to be born blind. Despite this, he showed an early interest in music and began playing the piano at the age of four. Wonder's family moved to Detroit when he was four years old, and it was there that he began to develop his musical talents. He was discovered by Ronnie White of the Motown group The Miracles when he was just 11 years old. White introduced him to Motown founder Berry Gordy, who signed him to the label as "Little Stevie Wonder." Wonder's first album, "The Jazz Soul of Little Stevie," was released in 1962 when he was just 12 years old. The album showcased his prodigious talent as a musician and songwriter, and it included the hit single "Fingertips," which became his first number one hit. The song was recorded live and featured Wonder on harmonica and vocals. Over the next few years, Wonder continued to release albums and singles that showcased his incredible talent. He became known for his soulful voice, his ability to play multiple instruments, and his skill as a songwriter. In 1965, he released the album "Up-Tight," which included the hit single "Uptight (Everything's Alright)." The song became a top 10 hit and helped establish Wonder as a major force in the music industry. Wonder's career continued to flourish throughout the 1960s and 1970s. He released a string of hit albums, including "Talking Book," "Innervisions," and "Songs in the Key of Life." These albums showcased his versatility as a musician and his ability to blend different genres of music, including soul, funk, and jazz. One of Wonder's most famous songs is "Superstition," which was released in 1972. The song features a funky, driving beat and a memorable riff played on the clavinet. It became a huge hit and is still considered one of Wonder's signature songs. Another notable song from Wonder's career is "I Just Called to Say I Love You," which was released in 1984. The song was written for the movie "The Woman in Red" and became a massive hit, reaching number one in multiple countries. It won an Academy Award for Best Original Song and a Golden Globe for Best Original Song. Throughout his career, Wonder has won numerous awards and accolades for his music. He has won 25 Grammy Awards, including a Lifetime Achievement Award in 1996. He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1989 and the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 1983. In 2009, he was awarded the Gershwin Prize for Popular Song by the Library of Congress. In addition to his music career, Wonder has also been an advocate for social justice and civil rights. He has used his platform to speak out on issues such as racism, poverty, and inequality. He has also been involved in various charitable organizations, including the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) and the American Foundation for AIDS Research (amfAR). In conclusion, Stevie Wonder is a true musical icon who has left an indelible mark on the world of music. His incredible talent as a musician, singer, and songwriter has earned him numerous awards and accolades, and his music continues to inspire and entertain people around the world.

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