Stevie Wonder's Impressive Career Moments!

Born May 13, 1950 in Detroit, Michigan, Stevie Wonder didn't have the easiest start in life. Born premature, Stevie suffered a number of health problems in his first few weeks, and the singer would lose his sight as a result. Making the most of a tough diagnosis, Stevie wouldn't let his loss of vision get the better of him and began singing and playing instruments at the young age of four. 

Stevie Wonder would turn out to be a child prodigy and would land his first record deal at the age of 11! By 13, Stevie had his first number one hit, "Fingertips", and he became the youngest artist to ever top the Billboard Hot 100 charts. 

While Stevie's earliest hits were mostly co-produced and covers of other artists including Bob Dylan's "Blowin' in the Wind", it wouldn't take Stevie long to begin to produce his own hits. His first self-produced hit single would be 1970s catchy "Signed, Sealed, Delivered I'm Yours". 

Stevie Wonder's best years would come in the 1970s. Labeled his "classic period", the 1970s would produce hits including the distinctive Hohner Clavinet keyboard recorded "Superstition" and "You Haven't Done Nothin". By 1977, Stevie had won the Grammy Award for Album of the Year three consecutive albums in a row, tying with the legendary Frank Sinatra. At this point Stevie was only 27-years-old! 

Becoming well-known for his funky keyboard sound, Stevie Wonder was in high demand in the 1970s, starring and performing on multiple TV broadcasts including an episode of Seasme Street (1973), The Barbara Walter Summer Special (1976), and Neil Diamond's 1986 TV Special. 

In 1984, Stevie Wonder would win his first Academy Award for Best Original Song for the romantic comedy film The Woman in Red. This would make Stevie the first Motown artist and only the second African-American artist ever to receive the award! 

Stevie Wonder has became a prominent figure in fighting for political causes, including to make Martin Luther King Jr.'s birthday a holiday. His single "Happy Birthday" from 1980 album Hotter Than July was successful in campaigning for the holiday, and he continues to honor the Civil Rights Activist today. 

While Stevie Wonder had reached his career peak in the 1970s, he continued to leave his mark on the music industry in his later years. In 1996 he was invited to perform at the closing ceremony of the Summer Olympics. More recently, Stevie has also become involved with the Special Olympics and performed at both the 2011 and 2015 ceremonies.

Stevie Wonder has become a legend in the music industry and has rightfully earned his spot in both the Rhythm and Blues Hall of Fame and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Truly deserving of the recognition, you can also find Stevie's star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame!

In his later years, Stevie has still been very active performing and playing his harmonica at award shows and musical celebrations. Stevie, who turns 74 this month, underwent a kidney transplant in 2020, but seems to be recovering well and enjoying family time with his nine children and latest wife, Tomeeka Bracy.