Stevland Hardaway Morris, better known by his stage name Stevie Wonder, is a critically acclaimed and versatile American artist.
His contribution to music is profound. He has performed outstandingly in many music genres, including R&B, pop, soul, gospel, funk, jazz, etc. He is an idol in the hearts of countless musicians.
With a career spanning decades, Wonder’s impact on the music world is undeniable and his musical legacy inspires artists around the world.
contour
- Full name: Stephen Hardaway Morris
- Stage name: Stevie Wonder
- Date of Birth: May 13, 1950
- Age: 73
- Birthplace: Saginaw, Michigan, U.S.
- Country: United States
- Occupation: American singer-songwriter and musician
- Height: 1.84 m
- Parents: Calvin Judkins, Lula Mae Hardaway
- Siblings: Calvin Hardaway Judkins, Larry Hardaway, Milton Hardaway, Timothy Hardaway and Renee Hardaway
- Spouses: Syreeta Wright, Kai Millard Morris, Tomeeka Robyn Bracy
- Children: Aisha Morris, Mandela Kadjay Karl Stevlan Morris, Keiran Morris, Kwame Morris, Sophia Morris, Mumtaz Morris, Zaya Morris, Nia Morris
- Relationship: Married
- Net worth: $200 million
early life
Stevie Wonder, originally named Stevland Hardaway Judkins, was born on May 13, 1950 in Saginaw, Michigan.
Despite being born six weeks premature and facing challenges such as retinopathy of prematurity, which causes blindness, Steve showed incredible talent from a very young age.
He was raised by his mother after his parents divorced and, against all odds, moved to Detroit, Michigan with his siblings.
Through perseverance and determination, Stevie Wonder became one of the most iconic and successful musicians of all time.
Stevie Wonder began to demonstrate his innate musical talent at the age of eight, and quickly mastered the skills of playing the piano, harmonica and drums when he was only ten years old.
He and his friends formed a singing group and performed on the streets, parties, dances, etc. Soon, he was discovered by Ronnie White of the Miracles when he was only 11 years old.
White introduced Steve’s extraordinary talent to Motown Records founder Berry Gordy and facilitated a record contract for Steve when he was 12 years old.
Rename “Little Stevie Wonder” Shortly thereafter, he made his official recording debut, marking the beginning of his extraordinary musical journey and establishing him as a legendary artist in the industry.
educate
Stevie Wonder was educated primarily at the Michigan School for the Blind in Lansing, Michigan, where Motown Records sent him after the success of his first album.
The decision was made because his growing music career made it difficult for him to attend regular school in Detroit.
While the school focused on addressing blindness, Wonder also received extensive musical training from a young age.
He learned various instruments including piano, harmonica, and drums, and later delved into classical piano and music theory to further improve his musical ability.
Profession
Stevie Wonder became famous in the 1960s with “Nervous (everything is fine)” and “I was born to love her” cemented his status as a preeminent pop and R&B artist.
As the 1970s unfolded, Wonder began to take more control over his music, showcasing his talents as a songwriter, producer, and musician by playing multiple instruments on his albums.
This era marked his critically acclaimed “Classical period“Albums, such asInner Vision” “Song of Life” and “Audiobooks” These include things like “Superstition”, “You are the sunshine in my life” and “I just called to tell you that I love you.”
Wonder’s music transcends genre boundaries, blending elements of soul, funk, pop, and jazz to create a unique and influential sound.
With more than 100 million albums sold worldwide and 25 Grammy Awards, Stevie Wonder has cemented his place as one of the most successful and influential musicians in history.
His impact on the music industry is undeniable as his songs have not only reached the top of the charts but have also inspired countless artists across various genres.
In addition to his musical achievements, Wonder’s dedication to social causes and activism has further solidified his reputation, earning him numerous honors, such as being named a United Nations Messenger of Peace in 2009.
A beloved figure in the music industry, Wonder’s influence extends beyond his music, as he becomes a role model for aspiring musicians and an advocate for meaningful social change.
Awards and nominations
Grammy Awards
- Awards: 25 Grammy Awards, the most for a male solo artist, including:
- Three Album of the Year winners: Innervisions (1973), Songs in the Key of Life (1976), and Living for the City (1974)
- A Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award (1996)
- Nominations: Multiple nominations, including Song of the Year, Record of the Year, and Best R&B Performance
Oscars
- Won: Academy Award for Best Original Song for “I Just Called to Say I Love You” from the film The Woman in Red (1984)
Other Awards and Recognition
- Inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame (1989)
- Inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame (2009)
- Inducted into the Rhythm and Blues Hall of Fame (2005)
- Polar Music Prize (2014)
- Multiple winners of the American Music Awards, MTV Video Music Awards, and other industry honors
Social Media
- Instagram account: @Steviewonderlegacy
- Facebook account: Stevie Wonder
- Twitter: @StevieWonder
Personal life
Stevie Wonder has a very diverse family, with children from different mothers. His oldest daughter, Aisha Morris, was born in 1975 to Yolanda Simmons, who inspired a hit song by Wonder, “Isn’t she adorable?”
In 1977, his second child with Simmons, Keita Morris, was born. In 1983, Melody McCulley gave birth to Mumtaz Morris.
Wonder also has children with a woman whose identity is kept secret, Sophia Morris and Kwame Morris. Kailand Morris and Mandla Morris are his sons with Kai Millard Morris.
Nia Morris was born in 2014, his daughter with his current wife Tomeeka Bracy. The legendary musician has built a large and loving family over the years.
Discography
- Early career (1962–1969)
- Little Steve’s Jazz Soul (1962)
- A Tribute to Uncle Ray (1962)
- Song in My Heart (1963)
- Steve on the Beach (1964)
- Sixteen Will Be Seventeen (1965)
- Stevie Wonder Sing for Me (1966)
- I Was Born to Love Her (1967)
- One Day We’ll Be Together (1967)
- EUS (1968)
- Once in a Lifetime (1968)
- The Wonder Years (1970–1979)
- Signed, sealed and delivered (1970)
- Where Am I Going (1971)
- The Music in My Heart (1972)
- Inner Visions (1973)
- A Happy Ending (1974)
- Song of Life (1976)
- Stevie Wonder’s ‘Secret Life of Plants’ Tour (1979)
- Later career (1980–2005)
- Hotter Than July (1980)
- The Woman in Red (1984)
- “Square” (1985)
- People (1987)
- Soliloquy (1991)
- Love Time (2005)
net worth
Legendary musician Stevie Wonder has amassed a considerable net worth of $200 million through various musical activities such as production, songwriting, and touring.
However, it is worth noting that Wonder is a talented artist and successful businessman whose sources of income do not only come from music.
His financial success reflects his multifaceted career and entrepreneurial spirit.
