Steveland Judkins Morris was born on May 13, 1950, in Saginaw, Michigan. He is more
popularly known as Stevie Wonder. Stevie was blinded shortly after birth. His blindness
was caused by a medical accident when he was born. He had to be put in an incubator
and he didn't get enough air. In 1954 his family moved to Detroit. He developed his
musical talent early in his life. By the age of 11 years old, he could play the harmonica
and piano and he was a talented singer.
Stevie was introduced to Motown's Berry Gordy, who recognized Stevie's talents.
He was signed to Motown in 1962 and he was given the stage name "Little Stevie
Wonder". He later grew out of this nickname and dropped the "little". Stevie had
success with his single, 'Fingertips, Part 2', in 1963. By the time he was 18, Wonder had
released hits such as 'Uptight', 'Nothing's Too Good for My Baby', 'I Was Made to Love
Her', and 'For Once in My Life'. He followed that up with more hits, like 'My Cherie
Amour' which went platinum in 1969 and 'Signed, Sealed, Delivered, I'm Yours' in 1970.
In 1970 Wonder married Syreeta Wright. After two years of marriage they divorced.
In 1971, at age 21, Stevie bought recording equipment and started a small
recording company. He used two albums that he recorded independently to negotiate
with Motown. Since he was now 21, he could get a new contract that allowed him more
freedom and more money. He began experimenting with use of the synthesizer. A
serious automobile accident in 1973 almost claimed his life. The accident did take his
sense of smell away. Talking Book was an album that he released in 1972 which
included 'You Are the Sunshine of My Life' and 'Superstition'. These were two very big
hits. Innervisions, released in 1973, included a hit song called 'Higher Ground'.
Fulfillingness' First Finale in 1974, and Songs in the Key of Life in 1976 w...