How Well Do You Know the Prolific Stevie Wonder?
Stevie Wonder is one of the most prolific musicians out there. He’s made a prominent mark in the music industry through his heavy use of electronic instruments and innovative sounds. He set the pace for a number of vibrant genres like Blues, Soul, Funk and Rock. So, on that note, we’ve decided to celebrate by looking back on some of his greatest moments throughout his career.
1. Stevie Wonder was a child prodigy, which is honestly not hard to believe. Growing up, he was called ‘Little Stevie Wonder’ and signed with his very first label at the tender age of 11.
Photo Credit: Emma McIntyre
2. Stevie Wonder’s “classic period”, which ended in 1977 was noted for his funky keyboard style which can be observed in one of his most stand-out hits, ‘Superstition’. Seriously though, everyone knows this song. Even if his music is not your cup of tea, there’s no denying that a legend is a legend.
Photo Credit: George Pimentel
3. Stevie Wonder has won a whopping 25 Grammy Awards, making him one of the most awarded artists of all time.
Photo Credit: PL Gould
4. Stevie Wonder’s quite the all-rounder. He’s heavily admired for not just his music but also for his activism. In fact, in 1980, he lead a campaign to make Martin Luther King Jr’s birthday a holiday in the U.S.
Photo Credit: Erika Goldring
5. Speaking of activism, Stevie Wonder was even named a United Nations ‘Messenger of Peace’ back in 2009.
Photo Credit: Emma McIntyre
6. In 1968, he recorded an album of solely instrumental soul/jazz tracks (most being harmonica pieces) under the title, ‘Eivets Rednow’ – which happens to simply be his name spelled backwards. What a fantastic title, it sounds so intriguing when you say it out loud, doesn’t it?
Photo Credit: George Wilkes
7. Stevie Wonder has actually featured on Celine Dion’s studio album, ‘Loved Me Back to Life’ performing a cover of his 1985 song, ‘Overjoyed’. Two Greats getting together to create music, what a mind blowing experience it must’ve been for both of them…
Photo Credit: Todd Williamson
8. Stevie Wonder might’ve aged, but he knows exactly how to start trending a hashtag. In 2018, he began trending the hashtag #DreamStillLives which saw numerous fans and celebrities sharing their dreams, calling back to Martin Luther King’s iconic speech in 1963. His very first tweet simply took the world by storm.
Photo Credit: Tabatha Fireman
9. Barack and Michelle Obama are huge fans of Stevie Wonder. In fact, the couple had their first dance to his hit ‘You & I’ at their 1992 nuptials. So, is it any surprise that they invited the man to the White House for a night of phenomenal music and entertainment?
Photo Credit: Alex Wong
10. Billie Eilish, you can step aside, because at the age of 13, Stevie Wonder became the youngest person to top Billboard’s Hot 100 charts. The song that made it was ‘Fingertips’, which was recorded live in concert.
Photo Credit: Clayton Call
