Stevie Wonder facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Stevie Wonder
Wonder in 2019
Born	Stevland Hardaway Judkins (1950-05-13) May 13, 1950 (age 76) Saginaw, Michigan, U.S.
Other names	Little Stevie Wonder (1962–1964)
Citizenship	United States Ghana
Occupation	Singer songwriter musician record producer
Years active	1961–present
Spouse(s)	Syreeta Wright ​ ​ (m. 1970; div. 1972)​ Kai Millard ​ ​ (m. 2001; div. 2015)​ Tomeeka Bracy ​ (m. 2017)​
Children	9
Parent(s)	Lula Mae Hardaway (mother)
Musical career
Genres	Soul R&B pop funk gospel progressive soul
Instruments	Vocals keyboards harmonica drums harpejji
Labels	Tamla Motown So What the Fuss Records
Signature

Stevland Hardaway Morris, known to the world as Stevie Wonder, is an amazing American singer, songwriter, musician, and record producer. Born on May 13, 1950, he is celebrated as one of the most important musicians of the 20th century. Many artists in genres like R&B, pop, soul, gospel, funk, and jazz look up to him as a pioneer.

Stevie Wonder became blind shortly after birth. He was a child prodigy, meaning he had incredible talent from a very young age. He signed with Motown's Tamla label when he was just 11 years old. That's when he got his famous stage name, "Little Stevie Wonder."

During his teenage years, he became one of Motown's biggest stars. People loved his energetic harmonica playing and powerful singing. His song "Fingertips" reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart when he was only 13. This made him the youngest solo artist ever to achieve that!

His most famous period, called his "classic period," was from 1972 to 1976. During this time, he created groundbreaking albums like Innervisions and Songs in the Key of Life. He was the first Black musician to win the Grammy Award for Album of the Year. He is also the only artist to win this award for three albums in a row!

In the 1980s, Stevie Wonder became known worldwide. He worked with other famous artists like Paul McCartney and Michael Jackson. He also used his fame to help others, especially through his campaign to make Martin Luther King Jr.'s birthday a national holiday in the United States. He has sold over 100 million records globally, making him one of the best-selling music artists of all time. He has won 25 Grammy Awards and an Academy Award. In 2009, he was named a United Nations Messenger of Peace, and in 2014, he received the Presidential Medal of Freedom. In 2024, he became a citizen of Ghana.

The Amazing Life of Stevie Wonder

Early Years and Musical Beginnings

Stevie Wonder was born Stevland Hardaway Judkins on May 13, 1950, in Saginaw, Michigan. He was born early, and a medical condition caused him to become blind soon after birth.

When Stevie was four, his mother moved with her children to Detroit. He started singing in the choir at Whitestone Baptist Church and became a soloist by age eight. He loved playing instruments like the piano, harmonica, and drums from a young age. He even formed a singing group with a friend, performing on street corners.

Becoming "Little Stevie Wonder"

In 1961, when Stevie was 11, he sang his own song, "Lonely Boy," for Ronnie White of the Miracles. White was so impressed that he took Stevie and his mother to an audition at Motown. The head of Motown, Berry Gordy, signed Stevie to the Tamla label. Producer Clarence Paul gave him the name "Little Stevie Wonder."

Because Stevie was so young, Motown set up a special contract. His earnings were saved for him until he turned 21. He and his mother received a weekly allowance, and Stevie had a private tutor while on tour.

Rising to Stardom in the 1960s

Stevie worked with Clarence Paul on his first two albums. Tribute to Uncle Ray featured covers of Ray Charles's songs. The Jazz Soul of Little Stevie was an instrumental album. Both were released in 1962 but didn't become big hits right away.

Wonder rehearsing for a performance on Dutch television in 1967

Teenage Hits and New Sounds

In 1962, at age 12, Stevie joined the Motortown Revue, performing across America. A live recording of his performance in Chicago was released in 1963 as Recorded Live: The 12 Year Old Genius. A song from this album, "Fingertips", became a huge hit. It reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100 when Stevie was 13, making him the youngest artist ever to top the chart.

After a few less successful songs, some at Motown wondered if his career would continue as his voice changed. But producer Sylvia Moy convinced Berry Gordy to give him another chance. They worked together to create the hit "Uptight (Everything's Alright)". Stevie then dropped "Little" from his name. He continued to have many hits in the mid-1960s, including "I Was Made to Love Her" and "For Once in My Life". He also started writing songs for himself and other Motown artists.

Billboard advertisement, June 17, 1967

In 1968, he released an album of instrumental songs, mostly harmonica solos, called Eivets Rednow (Stevie Wonder spelled backward). It didn't get much attention. However, he kept making popular songs like "My Cherie Amour" and "Signed, Sealed, Delivered I'm Yours". "Signed, Sealed, Delivered I'm Yours" was the first song he produced himself.

The "Classic Period" of the 1970s

In September 1970, Stevie Wonder married songwriter Syreeta Wright. They worked together on his next album, Where I'm Coming From (1971). They wanted the songs to talk about important social issues. When Stevie turned 21 in May 1971, his contract with Motown ended.

Exploring New Musical Tools

Stevie became very interested in synthesizers after hearing electronic music. He hired Robert Margouleff and Malcolm Cecil, who had built a special synthesizer called the TONTO. This instrument combined several synthesizers and helped create a unique electronic sound for Stevie's music. He later said that synthesizers allowed him to do many things he had always wanted to do.

The TONTO synthesizer, which helped define the sound of Wonder's albums between 1972 and 1974.

With this new sound, Stevie signed a new, more flexible contract with Motown. The first album from this collaboration was Music of My Mind (1972). Critics loved it, seeing it as a big step in his artistic growth.

The electronic sound continued on Talking Book, released in October 1972. This album featured two number-one hits: "Superstition" and "You Are the Sunshine of My Life". These songs earned him three Grammy Awards. Talking Book was his most successful album yet.

The first prototype of the Oberheim Four Voice synthesizer, used by Wonder. It had braille labels.

A Serious Accident and Strong Comeback

Stevie's next album, Innervisions, came out in August 1973. It included hits like "Higher Ground" and "Living for the City", which talked about racial issues. Innervisions won two more Grammy Awards, including his first Grammy Award for Album of the Year.

Just three days after Innervisions was released, Stevie was seriously injured in a car accident while on tour. He was in a coma for four days. The accident caused him to lose some of his sense of smell and temporarily his sense of taste. Despite his injuries, he made a surprise appearance at an Elton John concert and later performed at a benefit concert for Shaw University.

Wonder performing in 1973, during his "classic period."

Unforgettable Albums and Awards

In 1974, Stevie released Fulfillingness' First Finale, which had hits like "You Haven't Done Nothin'" and "Boogie On Reggae Woman". This album also won him the Album of the Year Grammy.

In 1976, he released the double album Songs in the Key of Life. Many consider this his greatest work. It was the first album by an American artist to debut at number one on the Billboard charts. It stayed there for 14 weeks! It featured hits like "I Wish" and "Sir Duke". The beautiful song "Isn't She Lovely" was written about his newborn daughter, Aisha. Songs in the Key of Life won Album of the Year and two other Grammys.

Global Influence in the 1980s

Stevie Wonder's album Hotter than July (1980) was a huge success. Its single "Happy Birthday" became an anthem for his campaign to make Martin Luther King Jr.'s birthday a national holiday. The album also included "Master Blaster (Jammin')" and "Lately".

Music for Change and Friendship

In 1982, he released Stevie Wonder's Original Musiquarium, which had new songs like "Do I Do" and "Ribbon in the Sky". That same year, he had a number-one hit with Paul McCartney called "Ebony and Ivory", a song about racial harmony.

In 1984, Stevie released the soundtrack album for the movie The Woman in Red. The main song, "I Just Called to Say I Love You", was a number-one hit in both the U.S. and the UK. It won an Academy Award for Best Song in 1985. When accepting the award, Stevie dedicated it to Nelson Mandela. Because of this, the government of South Africa banned his music from their radio stations.

His 1985 album In Square Circle featured the number-one pop hit "Part-Time Lover". He also played harmonica on other famous songs like Eurythmics' "There Must Be an Angel (Playing with My Heart)" and Elton John's "I Guess That's Why They Call It the Blues". Stevie was also part of the all-star charity single "We Are the World" for African famine relief.

In 1987, he collaborated with Michael Jackson on the song "Just Good Friends" for Jackson's Bad album. Jackson also sang on Stevie's album Characters.

Continuing His Journey: 1990s and Beyond

New Music and Special Performances

Stevie Wonder continued to release new music, though not as often. In 1990, he sang a duet with Whitney Houston called "We Didn't Know". He also created the soundtrack for Spike Lee's 1991 film Jungle Fever.

Wonder backstage at the 1990 Grammy Awards

In 1992, Stevie visited Ghana, Africa, which had a powerful impact on him. He even composed many songs for his 1995 album Conversation Peace during this trip. He later said he planned to move there permanently.

Wonder in 1994

He performed at the closing ceremony of the 1996 Summer Olympics and collaborated with Babyface on "How Come, How Long", a song about helping people in difficult situations. He also played harmonica on Sting's 1999 song "Brand New Day".

Still Making Music Today

Stevie Wonder continues to record and perform. In 2005, he released the album A Time to Love. He has made guest appearances on albums by artists like Busta Rhymes and Snoop Dogg. In 2006, he recorded a duet with Tony Bennett, a new version of "For Once in My Life," which won a Grammy Award.

Wonder in 2006

He has performed at many important events, including the opening ceremony of the 2002 Winter Paralympics, the Live 8 concert in 2005, and the Obama Inaugural Celebration in 2009.

In 2007 and 2008, he went on tours in North America and Europe, his first in over a decade. He has also worked on new album projects, though some are still in development.

Barack Obama presenting Wonder with the Gershwin Prize in 2009

In 2009, Stevie sang at the Michael Jackson memorial service. He also performed at the funerals of Etta James, Whitney Houston, and Aretha Franklin.

In October 2020, Stevie Wonder announced his own record label, So What the Fuss Records. He released two new singles, "Can't Put It in the Hands of Fate" and "Where Is Our Love Song." In 2021, he appeared in the documentary Summer of Soul, showing his performance at the 1969 Harlem Cultural Festival. In 2022, he celebrated the 50th anniversary of his album Talking Book.

On August 30, 2024, Wonder released a new song called "Can We Fix Our Nation's Broken Heart." He also headlined the Lytham Festival in the UK on July 3, 2025.

Stevie Wonder's Lasting Legacy

A Musical Genius and Innovator

Stevie Wonder is one of the most important and influential figures in popular music. He is known as one of the most successful songwriters and musicians ever. During his most famous years, he often acted like a one-man band, playing many instruments himself. His use of synthesizers and other electronic instruments in the 1970s changed the sound of R&B music.

Wonder receiving a standing ovation in the East Room of the White House in 2011

He also helped make albums more important in R&B. He created albums that told a story and had complex musical ideas. While he was famous for his harmonica as a child, today he is also known for his amazing keyboard skills and powerful voice. He plays many instruments, including piano, synthesizer, harmonica, drums, and organ. Many musicians in pop, R&B, soul, funk, and rock see him as a pioneer and a major influence.

His "classic period" from 1972 to 1976 is especially celebrated. During this time, he took full control of his music production and created albums that were like musical journeys. These albums were incredibly influential. For example, Kanye West once said he wasn't trying to compete with current music, but with Stevie Wonder's Innervisions and Songs in the Key of Life.

Handprint of Stevie Wonder with autograph: "LOVE IS THE KEY Happy Birthday Dr. King 9.26.83" Atlantic City Boardwalk, New Jersey, USA, 2006

Awards and Honors

Stevie Wonder has had over 30 songs in the U.S. top ten, including ten number-one pop hits and 20 number-one R&B hits. He has sold more than 100 million records worldwide. He was the first Motown artist and second African-American musician to win an Academy Award for Best Original Song for "I Just Called to Say I Love You".

He has won 25 Grammy Awards, more than any other male solo artist, and a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award. He is one of only four artists to win the Album of the Year Grammy three times. He is also the only artist to win this award for three albums in a row. He has been inducted into the Rhythm and Blues Music Hall of Fame, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, and the Songwriters Hall of Fame. He also has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

Rolling Stone magazine has ranked him among the greatest singers and artists of all time. In 2024, he was ranked the fifth greatest keyboard player of all time by Neil McCormick of The Daily Telegraph. In 2009, he received the Montreal Jazz Festival Spirit Award.

His Personal Journey

Family Life

Stevie Wonder has been married three times. He was married to songwriter Syreeta Wright from 1970 to 1972. He was also married to fashion designer Kai Millard from 2001 to 2015. In 2017, he married Tomeeka Bracy.

He has nine children. His daughter Aisha Morris, born in 1975, was the inspiration for his song "Isn't She Lovely?". Aisha is now a singer and has toured with her father. His son Mandla Kadjay Carl Stevland Morris was born on Stevie's 55th birthday in 2005. His youngest daughter, Nia, was born in December 2014.

Health and Well-being

Stevie Wonder's mother, Lula Mae Hardaway, passed away in 2006. He spoke about how he decided to tour again after her loss, wanting to turn his pain into celebration.

In 2019, Stevie announced he would have a kidney transplant. The surgery was successful in December 2019.

Beliefs and Activism

Stevie Wonder is a longtime Baptist. He also became a vegetarian and later a vegan.

He is known for his activism. In 2018, he joined Twitter and shared a five-minute video honoring Martin Luther King Jr., called "The Dream Still Lives." Many famous people shared their dreams in the video, inspired by King's famous speech.

On August 21, 2024, Stevie Wonder performed "Higher Ground" at the 2024 Democratic National Convention. He spoke about the importance of courage and making a difference for future generations.

Becoming a Ghanaian Citizen

On his 74th birthday, May 13, 2024, Ghana's President Nana Akufo-Addo made Stevie Wonder a Ghanaian citizen. Stevie took an oath and received his citizenship certificate in Accra, Ghana.

Awards and Special Recognitions

Stevie Wonder has received many awards for his music and his work for civil rights. These include a Lifetime Achievement Award from the National Civil Rights Museum and the Presidential Medal of Freedom from President Barack Obama in 2014.

In 2016, the City of Detroit honored him by renaming a part of his childhood street "Stevie Wonder Avenue." In 2023, he received the Freedom of the City of Newcastle upon Tyne, England, for his activism. In May 2024, he received the George Peabody Medal for his outstanding contributions to music.

Grammy Awards Highlights

Stevie Wonder has won 25 Grammy Awards and a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 1996. He is one of only four artists to win the Grammy for Album of the Year three times as the main artist. He is also the only artist to win this award for three albums in a row.

Other Important Awards

Honorary Degrees

Stevie Wonder has received many honorary degrees from universities to recognize his amazing music career.

Stevie Wonder's Music Albums

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.)