Stevie Wonder Research Paper

Stevie Wonder is a widely known African American musician, identified throughout the last 50 years for his musical talents. As a singer, he made his debut as “Little Stevie Wonder” from Motown in 1961. Since then, he has been a perfected songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and recording producer. However, not many know of the services he has been involved in outside of music. Not only has he inspired those with disabilities to step out and do something they love, he has also helped his community by supporting many different causes along with charity events. “What I'm not confused about is the world needing much more love, no hate, no prejudice, no bigotry and more unity, peace and understanding. Period” (brainy). Stevie Wonder was a child sensation who grew up topping the music charts, influencing many through music and community contributions.

Wonder was born six weeks premature, which inhibited the growth of blood vessels in the back of his eyes, causing the detachment of the retinas. He was then placed in an incubator and put on oxygen treatment. “It was likely an excess of oxygen that exacerbated a visual condition known as retinopathy of prematurity, causing his blindness.”(huey) In 1954, after his parents got a divorce, his mother moved the family to Detroit. This was where Wonder began his musical career in his local church choir. This was also where he learned to perfect playing the piano, drums, and harmonica. He did this all by the age of nine. When he was eleven, Stevie was discovered by Ronnie White of The Miracles, who got him an audition with Motown