Some of our most awesome bands and musicians began their musical career at early ages. Most accompany their talented parents and/or siblings or have proteges that guide them along the way. Then, there are those that simply give their time and talent to worthwhile volunteer organizations. Occasionally one appears on YouTube and voila! a star is born! Today's spotlight shines on a child prodigy blinded as a result of receiving too much oxygen in the incubator as a premature baby. He showed an early gift for music and was just 11 years old when he was discovered by Ronnie White of the Motown band the Miracles.
Little Stevie Wonder Born Steveland Hardaway Judkins on May 13, 1950, in Saginaw, Michigan, he was newly name "Little Stevie Wonder" in 1962. Working with a Motown songwriter, Wonder's debut album, Little Stevie Wonder the 12 Year Old Genius was released that same year. After dropping "Little" from his stage name in 1964, he churned out the successful single "Uptight (Everything's Alright)."Stevie Wonder's early gift for music shone first with a church choir in Detroit, Michigan, where he and his family had settled when he was 4 years old. Later he amazed everyone with a bevy of instruments, including the harmonica, piano and drums, all of which he taught himself before age 10.
Today in music history takes us back to the year...
1963 13 year-old Little Stevie Wonder started a three week run at No.1 on the US singles chart with 'Fingertips part II', making him the youngest singer to top the charts.
Stevie Wonder has recorded more than thirty US top ten hits and received twenty-two Grammy Awards, the most ever awarded to a male solo artist. Wonder is also noted for his work as an activist for political causes, including his 1980 campaign to make Martin Luther King, Jr.'s birthday a holiday in the United States.
And the music goes on beating to the rhythm of the changing times...
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