The man once referred to as "Little" Stevie Wonder is turning the ripe age of 70 Wednesday.
At just 13 years old, the music prodigy had his first No. 1 hit with "Fingertips, Pt. 2" Over his nearly 60 year career, Wonder, born Stevland Hardaway Judkins, has acquired 25 Grammy Awards and influenced at least two generations of musicians across genres.
To honor his remarkable life and career, some of today's prominent musicians, QuestLove and DJ Nice, will celebrate with an extensive 24-hour Instagram Live musical tribute Wednesday. With more than 25 albums to curate from, filling up those thousands of minutes won't be too difficult. Called # 24HoursOfStevie, the celebration will also feature Gilles Peterson, DJ Tara, Natasha Diggs and DJ Spinna each doing four-hour sets. The event will occur
.
How it began:
Just because a man lacks the use of his eyes doesn't mean he lacks vision. "
—Stevie Wonder
Born in Saginaw, Michigan, his love for performing spawn as a guiding light after starting life with a significant disability. His blindness developed due to his premature birth and a condition, retinopathy of prematurity, an eye disorder which was exacerbated when he received too much oxygen in an incubator. The combination led to his sight impairment.
By age 3, his mother Lula Hardaway changed her son's surname to Morris after divorcing Wonder's dad. The Morris name was a family name that Wonder still uses as his legal surname.
His family, namely his mother, noticed his affinity and natural gift for music in his Detroit church choir at just 4 years old. He picked up instruments like the piano, harmonica and drums by the age of 10, according to
.
At 11, Wonder was discovered by Motown musician Ronnie White of the Motown band The Miracles. He would ace an audition with Motown founder Berry Gordy Jr., so, naturally, a record deal was in the works for the adolescent.
The music
Even though Wonder came out the gate with a No. 1 hit, he was determined not to be indicative of his name −a one hit wonder. Hits like "Uptight (Everything's Alright)," "Shoo-Be-Doo-Be-Doo-Da-Day" and "For Once in My Life."
Dropping the "Little" from his name and entering the 1970s, introduced a more evolved, socially-conscious artist. His commitment to his craft meant he would stretch his vocal abilities, songwriting skills and message. His musical productions in that decade included 1972's "Music of My Mind" and "Talking Book," which would garner two of his dozens of Grammy awards.
He also showed his business side by negotiating a new contract with Motown that gave him almost total control over his records and greatly increased his royalty rate. It was an unprecedented move at the time, but implementedied the standard Wonder would set as a visionary and pioneer in music.
About the Author
Stephanie has been telling stories her whole life. Her interest in the written word started with short stories and journal entries about run-ins with classroom bullies as a child and matured to writing for her high school newspaper over the years. She has written and edited for The Tennessean, Augusta Chronicle and American City & County.
