Stevie Wonder performs despite bearing heavy emotional burdens
Check Out the Amazing Stevie Wonder at 75
Music icon Stevie Wonder boasts an impressive career with 22 Grammys, an Oscar, and nine children, yet his heart remains heavy. As he celebrates his 75th birthday, he's not slowing down anytime soon, recently releasing a powerful song about the broken heart of America.
Wonder's soulful voice may be hitting its golden years, but there's no sign of him stopping anytime soon. Last summer, he released the poignant track "Can We Fix Our Nation's Broken Heart," highlighting the pain felt by the American people over poverty, injustice, and division. This isn't the first time Wonder has used his platform to address social issues, a growing theme in his music throughout his career.
Starting Off Strong
Born in 1950 as Stevland Hardaway Judkins Morris in Saginaw, Michigan, a premature Wonder defied the odds to survive using an incubator. Destined for a life without sight, he discovered his gift for music, starting out singing in church. He quickly taught himself instruments like the harmonica, drums, and especially the piano. Motown Records took notice of the talented young artist, rebranding him as the new "Little Stevie Wonder."
In 1963, his first album, a collection of Ray Charles covers, launched Wonder's career, topping the US charts. Over the next decade, he stayed closely tied to Motown, fostering his unique style and vast talent.
Fighting for Freedom
But as he matured, Wonder craved artistic freedom. In the 1970s, he truly found his unique sound, creating iconic albums such as "Talking Book," "Innervisions," and "Songs in the Key of Life." Alongside his musical evolution, political and social themes found their way into his music, blending beautifully with his soul and funk sounds. The synthesizer brought a fresh sound to the music scene, marking Wonder's style as a game-changer. He founded his own label, Black Bull Music, to gain more creative control over his work.
Trailblazing into the Future
While the '80s were full of commercial success for Wonder, critics agree that he reached his pinnacle in the previous decade. In 1984, he hit the peak with Oscar-winning hits, and memorable duets with the likes of Michael Jackson and Paul McCartney. But his passion for artistry never dwindled, and he remains an active performer today. Most recently, he was seen sharing the stage with US superstar Usher at the Met Gala opening in New York in May.
Wonder is a beloved figure politically as well, with close ties to former President Barack Obama and his wife Michelle. He was honored with the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2014, and even performed for Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris during the 2024 election campaign.
Stevie Wonder's activism – a key component of his career – blends seamlessly with his music, politics, and social causes. He dedicated 15 years to his campaign to establish Martin Luther King Jr.'s birthday as a national holiday, inspired by his influential 1980 song "Happy Birthday." Beyond this effort, he's been involved in various political causes addressing gun control, drunk driving, and the fight against apartheid in South Africa. In recent years, he's championed racial justice initiatives and global humanitarian causes like AIDS awareness, environmentalism, and world hunger relief. Stevie Wonder's legacy inspires generations as his activism intertwines beautifully with his magnificent music.
Stevie Wonder, in his golden years, continues to create powerful music, as shown by his recent release "Can We Fix Our Nation's Broken Heart," which addresses social issues that have long been a part of his songwriting. His music and activism have been intertwined throughout his career, making him a trailblazer in both the entertainment and social justice realms.
Wonder's music stretches beyond genres, with his albums like "Talking Book," "Innervisions," and "Songs in the Key of Life" showcasing a unique blend of soul, funk, and political themes. This fusion of music and activism has helped shape his career and solidify his status as a legend in the entertainment and music industry.
