On May 13th, 1950, the legendary singer, songwriter, and pianist Stevie Wonder was born in Saginaw, Michigan. Born prematurely and placed in an incubator, Stevie Wonder was given too much oxygen, which led to his blindness shortly after birth, a condition known as retinopathy of prematurity.
Despite his visual impairment, Stevie Wonder showed an incredible aptitude for music from a very young age. He began playing instruments, including the harmonica, piano, and drums, before the age of 10. In 1961, at the age of 11, he was discovered by Ronnie White of The Miracles and was quickly signed to Motown's Tamla label.
Stevie Wonder's career skyrocketed with hit singles like "Fingertips, Pt. 2," "Uptight (Everything's Alright)," and "I Was Made to Love Her." Throughout the 1970s, he released a string of critically acclaimed albums, such as "Talking Book," "Innervisions," and "Songs in the Key of Life," which showcased his incredible songwriting, musicianship, and socially conscious lyrics.
Over his career, Stevie Wonder has won an astounding 25 Grammy Awards, a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award, and was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1989. He has also been a prominent activist, advocating for civil rights, disability rights, and various humanitarian causes.
Stevie Wonder's influence on popular music is immeasurable, inspiring countless artists across multiple genres. His birthday, May 13th, marks the beginning of an extraordinary life and career that has left an indelible mark on the world of music and beyond.
This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI
