This Day in Black History: May 13, 1950

Legendary singer, songwriter and composer Stevie Wonder was born in Saginaw, Michigan.

Posted: 05/13/2012 07:00 AM EDT

Legendary performer Stevie Wonder was born Stevland Hardaway Judkins on May 13, 1950, in Saginaw, Michigan. Losing his eyesight shortly after birth, Wonder went on to become one of the most celebrated African-American musical performers, winning 22 Grammy Awards over the span of his career — more than any male solo artist.

 

Wonder gained his stage name from the extraordinary talent he displayed at such a young age. At age 11, Wonder signed to Motown and by the age of 13 he had his first hit with the 1963 tune, "Fingertips (Pt. 2)." Some of his biggest hits include the songs "My Cherie Amour," "Signed, Sealed, Delivered I'm Yours" and "I Just Called to Say I Love You.” In 1989, Wonder was inducted into the Rock ‘n’ Roll Hall of Fame. In 2009, President Barack Obama awarded Wonder with the Gershwin Prize for Popular Song.

 


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(Photo: Hulton Archive/Getty Images)

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