Many people do not notice under any physical flaws of this talent. Stevie Wonder - one of those who changed the modern world, forced to see the other side of blindness. The famous, even legendary musician takes a fresh look at reality, he masterfully conveys the beauty of today in his own compositions.
Children's years
Stevie Wonder (real name is Steveland Hardaway Morris) was born on May 13, 1950 in Saginaw, Michigan. Four years later, the singer’s mother broke up with her husband, and together with six children went to seek a new life in Detroit.
Sources say that the blindness of the performer is caused by a mistake of doctors. The baby was born prematurely, which indicates insufficient development of the vessels of the eyes. Due to the fact that the doctors did not overlook this feature, an excessive dose of oxygen was supplied to the incubator with the newborn. This served the development of the disease.
At first, Stevie Wonder’s mother was afraid for her son’s life, so she tried not to let him out alone. In order for the child to adapt a little to the surrounding world, the woman taught the guy to read primer and other literature. In his free time, the young man played harmonica, drums and piano, inspired by the works of Ray Charles.
While the head of the family (mother) earned a piece of bread for the children, the young Stevie Wonder worked hard and engaged in singing. Once talent and works were noticed, from that moment the amazing story of a wonderful person began.
Sudden discovery
Ronnie White, one of the members of the musical group The Miracles, was the first to hear the charming voice of little Stevie. Young talent organized an audition with a resident of Motown. A producer named Berry Gordy was amazed and fascinated by the boy's musical identity. Then, without further ado, the musicians signed the first contract.
At the same time, the artist’s pseudonym appeared. Behind the stories, upon hearing the voice of Stevie Wonder, Berry said: “You are a true miracle, you should take such a pseudonym for yourself.” So he was called all the producers working then at Motown.
Already at the end of 1961, the first recordings were made in the studio. Ten months later, the world heard Stevie Wonder's first albums entitled The Jazz Soul of Little Stevie and Tribute to Uncle Ray. Records saturated with instrumental performance on harmonica and drums were not particularly successful among listeners.
The beginning of a musical career
A truly significant start is the album Where I'm Coming From (1971). What is so remarkable in the mentioned record:
- Stevie, a full-fledged and sole producer, decided on an unusual sound in soul. Soft and delicate notes using non-standard instruments prevailed.
- All compositions of his own composition.
Despite the transition and freshness of the album, he did not become a hit. Critics and listeners rated the cheerful album affably, but not with great enthusiasm.
Classic Wonder period
The next album, Music Of My Mind, was released in 1972, it became part of the Rolling Stone magazine's list of the 500 greatest albums of all time. It is a concept album and the beginning of the "classical period" of music by Stevie Wonder. There were long songs with a romantic, political, social message and connecting elements.
The Wonder Classic also includes:
- Talking Book (1972). The record brought the musician three Grammy awards and 90th place in the aforementioned ranking of Rolling Stone magazine.
- Innervisions (1973) - with three Grammy awards and 23rd place in the 500 greatest albums.
- Songs In The Key Of Life (1976), which also took its place in the ranking.
Stevie’s discography consists of 23 studio and 4 live albums, three soundtracks, ten compilations and one box set. Stevie Wonder's songs are still pleasing with their relevance and unique rhythms.
Awards
Stevie is one of those musicians who was most often awarded the Grammy Award. The arsenal consists of 27 awards. In 1996 he received a Grammy for achievements in life - the main and most significant award in the music field.
It should be noted that:
- in 1983, the performer was included in the Composers Hall of Fame;
- in 1984 received an Oscar for the best track I Just Called To Say I Love You;
- in 1989 became part of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame;
- in 2006 included in the Michigan Walk of Fame;
- in 2009 appointed UN Peace Envoy;
- in 2010 received the Order of Arts and Literature from the French Ministry of Culture.
Stevie Wonder has received many awards, awards and worldwide recognition. It is not surprising that great popularity brought the man success among the beautiful half of society.
Interesting Facts
Talent Stevie noticed many ladies, which left a certain mark in his personal life. He was married to Cyrite Wright, Yolanda Simmons, Melody McCulley, Tomike Robin Bracy. But Wonder calls mom the most important woman in his life.
Wonder is not only a famous musician, but also a responsible public figure. So, a man starred in a social advertisement against drinking alcohol while driving. The singer was depicted on a poster where it says: “I'd rather drive myself than trust this drunk driver.”
Barack Obama is an ardent fan of Stevie, and Michelle Obama led the musician to the podium for performances when they nevertheless stumbled. Wonder himself did not give in and even jokingly noticed that he had stared at the beauty of the first lady.
The proceeds from the concert, the musician sends to charitable foundations. In addition, the singer opposes violence, aggression in any form.
Thus, Stevie Wonder is a performer, whose songs penetrate deep into his soul, warm frozen hearts. His music inspires good deeds and vision of the beautiful. A unique person with a fine mental organization and blindness, who sees the modern world in gentle and gentle colors.