Stevie Wonder, born as Stevland Hardaway Judkins, is an American singer, songwriter, musician, and record producer who has achieved a legendary status not only because of his musical contribution but also because of his involvement in social issues such as civil rights. He was born on May 13, 1950, in Saginaw, Michigan, to a mother who was a songwriter and a father who was a bassist. Stevie Wonder was blinded shortly after his birth due to the medical negligence of doctors who administered too much oxygen to save his life.
Despite his blindness, Stevie Wonder exhibited extraordinary musical talent from an early age. He learned to play a variety of instruments such as drums, harmonica, and piano by the age of ten. In fact, he was discovered by Motown Records’ founder Berry Gordy Jr. when he was eleven years old. Gordy was impressed with the young boy’s musical abilities and signed him up for Motown Records.
Wonder’s career took off in the 1960s when he became a successful singer-songwriter in the soul genre. In 1963, he recorded his first single “Fingertips” at the age of thirteen and it became an instant hit, reaching number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. His positive reception led to him being dubbed as “Little Stevie Wonder”.
Throughout the 1960s, Stevie Wonder continued to release successful albums such as “Up-Tight”, “Down to Earth”, and “My Cherie Amour”. At the same time, he was becoming more conscious of social issues such as civil rights and started incorporating these themes into his music.
In the 1970s, Stevie Wonder became one of the most influential musicians in the soul funk genre with a string of hits that are still popular today. He released albums such as “Talking Book”, “Innervisions”, and “Songs in the Key of Life”, which showcased his versatility, as he explored different musical styles and social issues such as poverty, drug addiction, and political oppression.
One of his most famous songs is “Superstition” from the album “Talking Book”. The song was originally written for Jeff Beck, but Stevie Wonder decided to record it himself after being inspired by the riff. It became an instant hit and is still recognized as an iconic song in the funk genre.
Stevie Wonder’s involvement in civil rights activism began in earnest in the 1970s. In 1971, he released the album “Where I’m Coming From”, which featured the politically charged song “He’s Misstra Know-It-All”. The song criticized President Richard Nixon and was considered controversial at the time. He also performed at a concert in Washington D.C. in 1972 to support the Equal Rights Amendment.
In 1976, Stevie Wonder released the album “Songs in the Key of Life”, which was a critical and commercial success. The album addressed a wide range of social issues such as drug addiction, child abuse, and discrimination against people with disabilities. The song “Black Man” paid tribute to African-American pioneers such as Martin Luther King Jr. and Malcolm X, while “Village Ghetto Land” criticized the impact of urban renewal policies on inner-city communities.
In addition to his music, Stevie Wonder used his influence to advocate for causes such as education, disability rights, and peace. In 1980, he performed at a concert to support the Anti-Apartheid Movement and helped organize the Nelson Mandela Tribute Concert in 1988.
Stevie Wonder’s influence on music and society can still be felt today. He is regarded as one of the greatest musicians of all time and has won numerous awards for his contributions to music such as 25 Grammy Awards. His music has also been sampled by a wide range of musicians, from hip hop artists to rock bands.
Stevie Wonder’s musical talent and his involvement in social issues such as civil rights have had a profound impact on American culture. He has used his music to address issues that are still relevant today and has inspired generations of musicians to follow in his footsteps. Stevie Wonder will always be remembered not just as a legendary musician, but also as a champion of social justice.