Stevland Hardaway Morris, professionally known as Stevie Wonder, is an American singer-songwriter, musician, and record producer born on May 13, 1950, in Saginaw, Michigan. Blind since shortly after birth due to retinopathy of prematurity, he displayed musical prodigy at a young age and signed with Motown's Tamla label at 11, adopting the stage name Little Stevie Wonder. His single "Fingertips" became a No. 1 hit in 1963 when he was just 13, making him the youngest solo artist to top the Billboard Hot 100.

Wonder's critical success peaked in the 1970s during his "classic period," starting with albums like "Music of My Mind" and "Talking Book." He reshaped contemporary R&B with his innovative use of synthesizers and electronic instruments, driving genres into the album era with cohesive and socially conscious statements. His works "Innervisions," "Fulfillingness' First Finale," and "Songs in the Key of Life" each won the Grammy Award for Album of the Year, a unique accomplishment in consecutive releases.

Transitioning into his "commercial period" in the 1980s, Wonder achieved heightened fame with increased album sales, high-profile collaborations, and impactful political engagements. He is one of the best-selling music artists globally, with over 100 million records sold. Wonder has won 25 Grammy Awards and an Academy Award for Best Original Song. He is inducted into the Rhythm and Blues Music Hall of Fame, Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, and Songwriters Hall of Fame. His activism includes a successful 1980 campaign for Martin Luther King Jr.'s birthday as a federal holiday.

Wonder's early life saw him born prematurely and blinded by retinopathy of prematurity. His mother, Lula Mae Hardaway, divorced his father when he was four, moving with her children to Detroit. Wonder attended Whitestone Baptist Church, showcasing his singing talent from a young age. Despite his blindness, he learned to play multiple instruments and formed a singing duo called Stevie and John.

Signed by Motown at 11, he initially faced challenges with limited success. However, his breakthrough came with hits like "Uptight (Everything's Alright)" and "With a Child's Heart." In 1971, he married Syreeta Wright, collaborating with her on the socially conscious album "Where I'm Coming From." His Motown contract ended in 1971, leading to independent recordings and a new contract, resulting in the acclaimed albums "Music of My Mind," "Talking Book," and "Innervisions."

Throughout the 1980s and beyond, Wonder continued to release successful albums, including "Hotter than July" and "In Square Circle." Notable achievements include the Academy Award-winning single "I Just Called to Say I Love You" from "The Woman in Red" (1984), collaborations like "Ebony and Ivory" with Paul McCartney, and his philanthropic work, such as supporting Martin Luther King Jr.'s birthday.

Stevie Wonder's influence spans various musical genres, and he remains an active force in the industry. He continues to contribute to projects, collaborate with artists, and engage in philanthropy. In 2022, he celebrated the 50th anniversary of his album "Talking Book."

Reference:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stevie_Wonder