Stevie Wonder: how a blind musician conquered the world

2024 Author: Leah Sherlock | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 05:25

Many people do not notice a real talent under any physical flaws. Stevie Wonder is one of those who changed the modern world, made me see the other side of blindness. The famous, even legendary musician looks at reality in a new way, he masterfully conveys the beauty of today in his own compositions.

Children's years

Stevie Wonder (real name - 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 look for a new life in Detroit.

Sources say that the performer's blindness was caused by a mistake by the doctors. The baby was born prematurely, which indicates insufficient development of the eye vessels. Due to the fact that the doctors did not see this feature, an excessive dose of oxygen was supplied to the incubator with the newborn. This was the development of the disease.

Stevie Wonder's mother at first feared for her son's life, so she tried not to let him go out alone. Tothe child gradually adapted to the world around him, the woman taught the guy to read the primer and other literature. In his free time, the youngster played the 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, young Stevie Wonder practiced hard and sang. Once talent and work were noticed, from that moment the amazing story of a wonderful person began.

Sudden opening

Ronnie White, one of the members of the musical group The Miracles, was the first to hear the charming voice of little Stevie. The young talent was given an audition by a Motown resident. A producer named Berry Gordy was amazed and fascinated by the boy's musical identity. Then, and without further ado, the musicians signed the first contract.

At the same time, the pseudonym of the performer appeared. Behind the stories, 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 by all the producers working then in Motown.

Already at the end of 1961, the first recordings were made in the studio. Ten months later, the world heard the first Stevie Wonder albums called The Jazz Soul of Little Stevie and Tribute to Uncle Ray. Records filled with instrumental performances on harmonica and drums were not particularly successful among listeners.

The beginning of a musical career

Really significant start is the album Where I'm Coming From(1971). What is so remarkable about the said record:

1. Stevie, a full-fledged and only producer, decided on an unusual sound in soul. Soft and gentle notes prevailed using non-standard instruments.
2. All self-composed compositions.

Despite the transience and freshness of the album, it did not become a hit. Critics and listeners appreciated the cheerful album affably, but not with great enthusiasm.

Classic Wonder Period

The next album, Music Of My Mind, was released in 1972 and became part of Rolling Stone magazine's 500 Greatest Albums of All Time. It is a concept album and the beginning of the "classic period" of Stevie Wonder's music. There were long songs with romantic, political, social message and connecting elements.

Wander Classic also includes:

• Talking Book (1972). The record brought the musician three Grammy awards and 90th place in the aforementioned Rolling Stone rating.
• Innervisions (1973) - with three Grammy awards and 23 in the 500 Greatest Albums.
• Songs In The Key Of Life (1976), which also made it to the charts.

Stevie's discography consists of 23 studio and 4 live albums, three soundtracks, ten compilations and one box set. Stevie Wonder's songs still delight with their relevance and unique rhythms.

Awards

Stevie is one of the most Grammy-winning musicians. Arsenalconsists of 27 awards. In 1996, he received the Grammy for Lifetime Achievement, 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;
• won the 1984 Academy Award for Best Song I Just Called To Say I Love You;
• inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1989;
• inducted into the Michigan Walk of Fame in 2006;
• appointed UN Peace Envoy in 2009;
• received the "Order of Arts and Letters" from the French Ministry of Culture in 2010.

Stevie Wonder has many awards, prizes and worldwide recognition. It is not surprising that the great popularity brought the man success among the beautiful half of society.

Interesting facts

Stevie's talent was noticed by many ladies, which left a certain mark in his personal life. He was married to Cyrite Wright, Yolanda Simmons, Melody McCali, Tomika Robin Bracey. But Wonder calls his mother the most important woman in his life.

Wander is not only a famous musician, but also a responsible public figure. So, the man starred in social advertising against drinking alcohol while driving. The singer was featured on a poster that read: "I'd rather drive myself than let a drunk driver do it."

Barack Obama is an avid Stevie fan, and Michelle Obama was walking the musician to the podium for performances when they slipped. Wonder himself gave no sign, and evenjokingly noticed that he stared at the beauty of the first lady.

The proceeds from concert activities, 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 the depths of the soul, warm frozen hearts. His music inspires good deeds and vision of beauty. A unique person with a fine mental organization and blindness, who sees the modern world in gentle and affectionate colors.