Full name Stevland Hardaway Morris, American musician and songwriter, Stevie Wonder, was born May 13, 1950. One of nine children to Lula Mae Hardaway and Calvin Judkins, Wonder grew up in extreme poverty and socioeconomic barriers that plagued his home state of Michigan. In addition to poverty and financial struggles, Wonder also developed retinopathy of prematurity (ROP), resulting in him losing his eyesight shortly after his birth.

However, Wonder would prevail past these struggles.  Quickly being recognized as a child prodigy, Wonder signed with Motown Records at just 11 years old  in 1961.  While signed with Motown, Wonder released some of his most famous and well-recognized albums, such as Music of My Mind (1972), Talking Book (1972), and Innervisions (1973). Teaching himself to play an array of instruments like the drums, the harmonica, and the piano, Wonder was able to lend his talents within the music industry. 

Due to his immense talent and ability, Wonder accumulated many awards and accolades across decades of his professional career. Winning 25 Grammy Awards, 1 Academy Award, and 1 Golden Globe, Wonder’s talents and accomplishments are well respected and praised not only in music but across the entire entertainment industry!