Stevie Wonder (born Stevland Hardaway Judkins; May 13, 1950) is an American singer-songwriter, musician, and record producer. A child prodigy who became one of the most creative and influential musical figures of the 20th century, he has won 25 Grammy Awards, the most ever by a solo artist.
Little Stevie Wonder and Motown
Blind shortly after birth, Wonder signed with Motown’s Tamla label at the age of 11 as “Little Stevie Wonder.” He scored his first number-one hit at age 13 with “Fingertips.” During the 1970s, he took control of his creative process and produced a series of masterpiece albums, including *Talking Book*, *Innervisions*, and *Songs in the Key of Life*, which featured hits like “Superstition” and “Sir Duke.”
Innovation and Activism
Wonder was a pioneer in the use of synthesizers and electronic musical instruments, reshaping the sound of R&B and pop. He was also a prominent social activist, leading the campaign to make Martin Luther King Jr.’s birthday a federal holiday in the United States. His music often addressed themes of love, social justice, and spirituality.
Legacy
With over 100 million records sold worldwide, Wonder is one of the best-selling music artists of all time. He has been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and the Songwriters Hall of Fame, and received the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2014. His influence on R&B, soul, and pop music is immeasurable.