Stevie Wonder, born Stevland Hardaway Judkins on May 13, 1950, in Saginaw, Michigan, is a legendary R&B singer and multi-instrumentalist. He showed an early interest in music, teaching himself to play the piano, drums, and harmonica by the age of nine. However, his journey to success was not without challenges. At birth, Wonder was diagnosed with retinopathy of prematurity, a condition that caused his retinas to detach, resulting in blindness. Despite this obstacle, Wonder's talent and determination shone through.
At the young age of eleven, Wonder was discovered by Motown Records and signed a record deal. He quickly gained recognition for his musical ability, releasing hit songs such as "Fingertips (Pt. 2)" at the age of thirteen. Throughout his career, Wonder's unique blend of soul, R&B, and pop music earned him widespread acclaim and numerous awards.
By the time Wonder released his landmark album, "Songs in the Key of Life," in 1976, he had already solidified his status as a musical prodigy. The album received critical acclaim and is considered one of the greatest albums of all time, ranking at number 56 on Rolling Stone magazine's prestigious list of the top 500 albums. Wonder's ability to blend genres and convey powerful messages through his music set him apart from his contemporaries.
Aside from his musical achievements, Wonder's personal life has also garnered attention. He married Syreeta Wright in 1970, but the marriage ended in divorce two years later. In 2001, Wonder tied the knot with Kai Millard Morris, with whom he has two children. Over the years, Wonder has fathered a total of nine children, including Aisha Morris. In 2017, he married Tomeeka Robyn Bracy, showcasing his commitment to family and love.
Throughout his career, Wonder has broken records, won awards, and inspired countless artists with his groundbreaking music. His influence extends far beyond the realm of R&B, making him a true icon in the music industry. From his early days at Motown to his continued success as a global superstar, Stevie Wonder's legacy is as enduring as his timeless music.