Here are some interesting facts about the legendary musician Stevie Wonder:
Early Start: Stevie Wonder, whose real name is Stevland Hardaway Judkins, was born prematurely on May 13, 1950, in Saginaw, Michigan. His early exposure to music was through his family's church, where he sang in the choir and learned to play various musical instruments.
Child Prodigy: Stevie Wonder showed immense musical talent from a very young age. He signed his first record deal at the age of 11 and released his debut album, "Little Stevie Wonder the 12 Year Old Genius," at the age of 12 in 1963. This album featured the hit single "Fingertips."
Multi-Instrumentalist: Stevie Wonder is a virtuoso on various musical instruments, including the piano, harmonica, drums, and bass guitar. He is known for his ability to play multiple instruments, often incorporating them into his live performances.
Blindness: Stevie Wonder was born six weeks premature, which caused his retinas to detach, resulting in his blindness shortly after birth. Despite his blindness, he never let it hinder his musical aspirations and became one of the most successful musicians in history.
Musical Pioneer: Stevie Wonder is often credited with pioneering new sounds and techniques in the music industry. He was one of the first artists to use synthesizers and other electronic instruments in his music during the 1970s, which had a significant influence on the development of electronic and R&B music.
Grammy Awards: Stevie Wonder has won a total of 25 Grammy Awards, making him one of the most decorated artists in Grammy history. He has received awards in various categories, including Album of the Year, Song of the Year, and Best Male Pop Vocal Performance.
Political Activism: Throughout his career, Stevie Wonder has been actively involved in social and political issues. He campaigned for the establishment of Martin Luther King Jr. Day as a national holiday and was instrumental in raising awareness and funds for various charitable causes.
"Songs in the Key of Life": Considered one of his greatest works, Stevie Wonder's 1976 album "Songs in the Key of Life" is a double LP that features a diverse range of musical styles, including R&B, funk, jazz, and soul. It includes classics like "Sir Duke" and "Isn't She Lovely."
Presidential Medal of Freedom: In 2014, Stevie Wonder was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by then-President Barack Obama for his contributions to music and his humanitarian efforts.
Global Influence: Stevie Wonder's music has touched people worldwide, and his influence can be seen in countless artists across various genres. His timeless songs continue to be celebrated and covered by artists of all ages.
"Once in My Life" is indeed one of Stevie Wonder's iconic songs, showcasing his incredible vocal and musical talents.