Stevie Wonder’s incredible career began when he signed his first recording contract as an eleven year old. Wonder has been blind essentially from birth, making his musical accomplishments even more challenging. After his family moved to Detroit, Wonder sang in the church choir and learned piano, drums and harmonica by the age of nine. Motown’s Berry Gordy signed him after an audition and his third album, as a twelve year old was his first hit.
The 12 Year Old Genius was a live recording and the instrumental
Fingertips Pt. 2 topped the Pop and R&B charts propelling the album to become Motown’s first chart topper.
Music of My Mind, after more broadly asserting himself on 1971 s
Where I m Coming From. The first stirrings of this independent streak, however, trace back several years before to
Up-Tight.
He d been in the midst of a dry spell on the charts, after becoming the youngest ever for reach No. 1 with
Recorded Live: The 12 Year Old Genius in 1963. By the time this appropriately named LP arrived on May 4, 1966, he was neither 12 nor the same widely acknowledged genius anymore.
To a degree, this was a relief. He never liked all of that prodigy-related praise, anyway. The genius in me is God, Wonder later told
Stevie Wonder Fast Facts
Here is a look at the life of Stevie Wonder, singer, songwriter, producer and activist.
Personal
Birth
Father: Calvin Judkins
Mother: Lula Mae Hardaway
Marriages: Tomeeka Robyn Bracy (2017-present); Karen “Kai” Millard Morris (2001-October 5, 2015, divorced); Syreeta Wright (September 14, 1970-1972, divorced)
Children: with Tomeeka Robyn Bracy: Nia and Zaiah; with Kai Millard Morris: Mandla Kadjaly and Kailand; with Melody McCulley: Mumtaz; with Yolanda Simmons: Keita and Aisha; Mothers’ names unavailable publicly: Kwame and Sophia
Education: Michigan School for the Blind
Other Facts
Nominated for one Academy Award with one win.
Born prematurely; doctors believe he was blinded when he was accidentally given too much oxygen in his incubator.
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