Stevie Wonder

Date of birth: 13th May 1950

Bio:

Stevie Wonder went blind just after he was born, however he did not let it stop him from becoming one of the most respected musicians in the world. He learned piano at age seven, and drums and harmonica at nine. He had his first hit, 'Fingertips' at age 13. He didn't re-appear until 1965, after his voice had broken. He then proceeded to release Motown classics such as 'Uptight (Everything's Alright).

In 1970 he moved into the production side of music, with his album 'Signed, Sealed, Delivered'. He also wrote songs for other artists, such as the Miracles' 'Tears of a Clown'. His Motown contract ran out in 1971, and he re-negotiated his contract so he received a higher royalty rate, and full artistic control over his recordings.

Over the next few years he would produce such hits as 'Sir Duke', 'Isn't She Lovely' and 'Pastime Paradise', but from 1976 onward, after the release of 'Songs In The Key of Life', Wonder's artistic explosion would die down. He released nothing for three years. It was only in the early eighties Wonder would be placed firmly back in the spotlight, with his duet with Paul McCartney 'Ebony and Ivory'. In 1984 he released 'I Just Called To Say I Love You', from the movie 'The Woman In Red', which went on to win an Oscar for best song.

2005 sees the return of Stevie Wonder, with his new album 'A Time To Love', and new single 'What The Fuss'.

Discography:

The Jazz Soul of Little Stevie: Motown/1962

With A Song In My Heart: Motown/1963

Stevie At The Beach: Motown/1964

Down To Earth: Motown/1966

I Was Made To Love Her: Motown/1967

For Once In My Life: Motown/ 1968

My Cherie Amore: Motown/1969

Signed, Sealed, Delivered: Motown/1970

Where I'm Coming From: Motown/1971

Talking Book: Motown/1972