Stevie Wonder Biography: Wife, Age, Albums, Net Worth, Songs, Children, Grammy, Height, Parents

Stevland Hardaway Morris, more commonly known by his stage name, Stevie Wonder, is a highly acclaimed and versatile American artist.

His contributions to music have been profound. He has excelled in various genres such as R&B, pop, soul, gospel, funk, and jazz and served as an influential figure for countless musicians.

With a career spanning several decades, Wonder’s impact on the music industry is undeniable, and his legacy inspires artists worldwide. 

Profile

• Full name: Stevland Hardaway Morris
• Stage Name: Stevie Wonder
• Born: May 13, 1950
• Age: 73 years old
• Birthplace: Saginaw, Michigan, United States
• Nationality: American 
• Occupation: American singer-songwriter and musician
• Height: 1.84m
• Parent: Calvin Judkins, Lula Mae Hardaway
• Siblings: Calvin Hardaway Judkins, Larry Hardaway, Milton Hardaway, Timothy Hardaway, and Renee Hardaway
• Spouse: Syreeta Wright, Kai Millard Morris, Tomeeka Robyn Bracy
• Children: Aisha Morris, Mandla Kadjay Carl Stevland Morris, Kailand Morris, Kwame Morris, Sophia Morris, Mumtaz Morris, Zaiah Morris, Nia Morris
• Relationship: Married
• Net Worth: $200 million

Early Life

Stevie Wonder, originally named Stevland Hardaway Judkins, was born in Saginaw, Michigan, on May 13, 1950.

Despite being born six weeks premature and facing challenges like retinopathy of prematurity, which caused his blindness, Stevie displayed incredible talent from a very early age.

Raised by his mother after his parent’s divorce, he navigated through difficulties and moved to Detroit, Michigan, with his siblings.

Through perseverance and determination, Stevie Wonder became one of the most iconic and successful musicians ever. 

Stevie Wonder began to show his innate musical talents at the age of eight, quickly mastering the piano, harmonica, and drums by the time he was just ten years old.

He and a friend formed a singing group and performed at various venues, such as street corners, parties, and dances. It wasn’t long before he was discovered by Ronnie White of The Miracles when he was just 11 years old.

White introduced Stevie’s exceptional talent to Motown founder Berry Gordy, which led to a record deal when Stevie was only 12.

Renamed “Little Stevie Wonder,” he made his official recording debut shortly after, marking the beginning of a remarkable musical journey that would establish him as a legendary artist in the industry.

Education

Stevie Wonder’s education was predominantly at the Michigan School for the Blind in Lansing, Michigan, which he attended after Motown Records sent him there following the success of his first album.

This decision was made because his growing music career made it difficult for him to attend a regular school in Detroit.

While focusing on his blindness at school, Wonder also received extensive musical training that started at a young age.

He learned to play various instruments, such as piano, harmonica, and drums, and later delved into classical piano and music theory to enhance his musical abilities even further.

Career

Stevie Wonder rose to fame in the 1960s with hits like “Uptight (Everything’s Alright)” and “I Was Made To Love Her,” solidifying his place as a prominent pop and R&B artist.

As the 1970s rolled around, Wonder began taking more control over his music, showcasing his talents as a songwriter, producer, and musician by playing multiple instruments on his albums.

This era marked the release of his highly acclaimed “classic period” albums such as “Innervisions,” “Songs in the Key of Life,” and “Talking Book,” which included timeless tracks like “Superstition,” “You Are the Sunshine of My Life,” and “I Just Called to Say I Love You.”

Wonder’s music transcended genre boundaries, blending soul, funk, pop, and jazz elements to create a unique and influential sound.

With his impressive record of over 100 million albums sold worldwide and 25 Grammy awards, Stevie Wonder has solidified his place as one of the most successful and influential musicians in history.

His impact on the music industry is undeniable, as his songs have not only topped charts but have also inspired countless artists across different genres.

Beyond his musical accomplishments, Wonder’s dedication to social causes and activism has further cemented his legacy, earning him accolades such as the United Nations Messenger of Peace designation in 2009.

As a beloved figure in the music world, Wonder’s influence extends beyond just his music, making him a role model for aspiring musicians and an advocate for meaningful social change. 

Awards and Nominations

Grammy Awards

• Wins: 25 Grammy Awards, the most by a male solo artist, including:
• Three Album of the Year wins: “Innervisions” (1973), “Songs in the Key of Life” (1976), and “Living for the City” (1974)
• One Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award (1996)
• Nominations: Numerous nominations across various categories, including Song of the Year, Record of the Year, and Best R&B Performance

Academy Award

• Win: One Academy Award for Best Original Song for “I Just Called to Say I Love You” from the film “The Woman in Red” (1984)

Other Awards and Recognitions

• Inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame (1989)
• Inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame (2009)
• Inducted into the Rhythm and Blues Music Hall of Fame (2005)
• Polar Music Prize (2014)
• Numerous American Music Awards, MTV Video Music Awards, and other industry accolades 

Social Media

• Instagram handle: @Steviewonderlegacy
• Facebook handle: Stevie Wonder
• Twitter handle:  @StevieWonder

Personal Life

Stevie Wonder’s family is diverse, with children from different mothers. His eldest daughter, Aisha Morris, was born in 1975 to Yolanda Simmons and inspired one of Wonder’s hit songs, “Isn’t She Lovely.”

Keita Morris, his second child with Simmons, was born in 1977. Mumtaz Morris came into the world in 1983 to Melody McCulley.

Wonder also has children named Sophia Morris and Kwame Morris with a woman whose identity remains private. Kailand Morris and Mandla Morris are his sons with Kai Millard Morris.

Nia Morris, born in 2014, is his daughter with his current wife Tomeeka Bracy. The legendary musician has built a large and loving family over the years.

 Discography

• Early Career (1962–1969)
• The Jazz Soul of Little Stevie (1962)
• Tribute to Uncle Ray (1962)
• With a Song in My Heart (1963)
• stevie at the Beach (1964)
• Sixteen Going on Seventeen (1965)
• Stevie Wonder Sings for Me (1966)
• I Was Made to Love Her (1967)
• Someday We’ll Be Together (1967)
• E.U.S. (1968)
• For Once in My Life (1968)
• Wonder Years (1970–1979)
• Signed, Sealed & Delivered (1970)
• Where I’m Headed (1971)
• Music of My Mind (1972)
• Innervisions (1973)
• Fulfillingness’ First Finale (1974)
• Songs in the Key of Life (1976)
• Stevie Wonder’s Journey Through “The Secret Life of Plants” (1979)
• Later Career (1980-2005)
• Hotter Than July (1980)
• The Woman in Red (1984)
• In Square Circle (1985)
• Characters (1987)
• Conversations with Myself (1991)
• A Time to Love (2005)

Net Worth

Stevie Wonder, the legendary musician, has amassed a significant net worth of $200 million through his various musical ventures, including producing, songwriting, and touring.

However, it is worth noting that Wonder is a talented artist and a successful businessman who has diversified his income streams beyond just music.

His financial success reflects his multifaceted career and entrepreneurial spirit.