Stevie Wonder Celebrates 75 Years Influential Soul Music Legacy

Stevie Wonder, born Stevland Hardaway Judkins Morris on May 13, 1950, celebrated his 75th birthday in 2025, marking a remarkable career as one of the most influential musicians of the 20th century. Starting as a child prodigy signed by Motown at age eleven, Wonder broke through with early hits and later revolutionized soul and funk music with groundbreaking albums like "Talking Book," "Innervisions," and "Songs in the Key of Life," incorporating innovative electronic instruments. His commercial peak in the early 1980s included the Oscar-winning hit "I Just Called to Say I Love You," a sentimental and widely successful song that remains emblematic of his broad appeal despite mixed critical reception. Beyond his musical achievements, Wonder has been a committed social advocate, addressing issues such as poverty and injustice in songs like "Can We Fix Our Nation’s Broken Heart," reflecting his enduring dedication to social consciousness. His influence extended into popular culture including Disney collaborations, and his legacy is celebrated through retrospectives of his extensive and virtuosic song catalog. Despite challenges from birth, including blindness, Stevie Wonder’s pioneering spirit and artistic freedom have left an indelible mark on music history.