Stevland Hardaway Morris, known professionally as Stevie Wonder, was born on May 13, 1950, in Saginaw, Michigan. Blind shortly after birth due to retinopathy of prematurity, Wonder’s extraordinary musical talent emerged early. By the age of 11, he was discovered by Motown’s Berry Gordy and signed to Tamla Records, a subsidiary of Motown. Dubbed “Little Stevie Wonder,” he began his career as a prodigious multi-instrumentalist, excelling in piano, harmonica, and drums.

Wonder’s early success came with the release of The 12-Year-Old Genius (1963), featuring the chart-topping single “Fingertips.” As he matured, Wonder shed his “child prodigy” image, embracing his artistic independence and reshaping the boundaries of R&B and soul. In the 1970s, he entered a period of unparalleled creativity and influence, often referred to as his “classic period.” Albums like Music of My Mind (1972), Talking Book (1972), and Innervisions (1973) showcased his ability to merge soul, funk, jazz, and pop with deeply personal and socially conscious lyrics.

Wonder’s mastery of the synthesizer revolutionized modern music, as seen in iconic tracks like “Superstition” and “Living for the City.” His magnum opus, Songs in the Key of Life (1976), is a sprawling masterpiece exploring themes of love, spirituality, and societal issues. The album remains a high watermark in music history, earning critical acclaim and commercial success.

Over his six-decade career, Stevie Wonder has won 25 Grammy Awards, an Academy Award, and numerous accolades for his contributions to music and humanitarian causes. His timeless songs, ranging from the romantic “You Are the Sunshine of My Life” to the empowering “Higher Ground,” have inspired generations. Wonder’s blend of virtuosic musicianship, innovative production, and heartfelt storytelling solidifies him as one of the greatest artists of all time.