Stevie Wonder, complete biography, international career, concerts, successes and discography

Profile

Stevie Wonder (Stevland Hardaway Morris; Saginaw, Michigan, May 13, 1950) is an American singer-songwriter, musician, producer, and multi-instrumentalist, and one of the most influential and long-lived figures in soul, R&B, and pop music.

Stevie Wonder is known for combining instrumental skill, creative control, and international commercial success, maintaining a consistent presence in charts and major concert circuits for more than five decades.

Origins and training (1950s – early 1960s)

Raised in Detroit, Stevie Wonder lost his sight shortly after birth. From childhood he showed exceptional musical talent, learning to play:

• piano,

• harmonica,

• drums,

• bass.

In the early 1960s he was noticed by Motown Records, which signed him when he was only 11, launching an extremely early professional career.

1960s: recording debut and first major successes (1962–1969)

Albums and key songs

• 1962 – The Jazz Soul of Little Stevie

• 1963 – Recorded Live: The 12 Year Old Genius

  • Fingertips (Pt. 2)

• 1965 – Uptight

  • Uptight (Everything’s Alright)

• 1967 – I Was Made to Love Her

  • I Was Made to Love Her

Concerts and reception

During the 1960s Stevie Wonder:

• performed regularly in the United States,

• took part in Motown tours with dates in Western Europe,

• achieved major radio success, especially among younger audiences.

He was already recognized as one of Motown’s leading talents before turning 20.

1970s: full artistic control and peak success (1971–1979)

Albums and key songs

• 1972 – Music of My Mind

  • Superwoman

• 1972 – Talking Book

  • Superstition

  • You Are the Sunshine of My Life

• 1973 – Innervisions

  • Higher Ground

  • Living for the City

• 1974 – Fulfillingness’ First Finale

  • Boogie On Reggae Woman

• 1976 – Songs in the Key of Life

  • Sir Duke

  • I Wish

  • Isn’t She Lovely

Concerts and countries

In the 1970s Stevie Wonder:

• undertook extended tours in the United States,

• performed regularly in the United Kingdom, France, Germany, and the Netherlands,

• achieved very strong sales in North America and Europe.

Songs in the Key of Life became one of the decade’s best-selling albums, with strong reception also in Japan.

1980s: continued commercial strength and major singles (1980–1989)

Albums and key songs

• 1980 – Hotter Than July

  • Master Blaster (Jammin’)

  • Happy Birthday

• 1984 – The Woman in Red (soundtrack)

  • I Just Called to Say I Love You

• 1985 – In Square Circle

  • Part-Time Lover

• 1987 – Characters

  • Skeletons

Concerts and reception

In this period:

• Stevie Wonder continued performing in arenas and major theatres across the United States,

• toured and played concerts in Europe, Australia, and Asia,

• maintained strong international radio presence.

The single I Just Called to Say I Love You reached No. 1 in numerous countries, including the United States, the United Kingdom, Germany, France, and Italy.

1990s: reduced output but continued international presence (1990–1999)

Albums and songs

• 1995 – Conversation Peace

  • For Your Love

Concerts

During the 1990s he:

• released less new studio material,

• performed mainly in special events, festivals, and selected concerts,

• remained in demand in Europe and North America.

Commercial impact was lower than in earlier decades, but his live reputation remained very strong.

2000s: global concerts and collaborations (2000–2009)

Stevie Wonder focused his activity on:

• international touring,

• collaborations with pop, soul, and R&B artists,

• participation in institutional and benefit events.

He performed across:

• the United States,

• Europe,

• South America,

• Africa.

From the 2010s to today: selective activity and event concerts

In more recent years Stevie Wonder:

• reduced studio output,

• continued performing in event concerts and international celebrations,

• maintained a stable presence at major festivals and official occasions.

Audience response has remained very strong, especially in the United States and Europe.

Musical style (practical points)

Stevie Wonder is recognized for:

• advanced use of keyboards and synthesizers,

• ability to write and arrange independently,

• integration of soul, funk, pop, and R&B,

• direct control of music production.

Awards

Albums

Documented career figures

• Over 100 million records sold worldwide (catalog-wide estimate).

• Multiple No. 1 singles in the United States, the United Kingdom, and Europe.

• Continuous touring activity across North America, Europe, and Asia for more than 50 years.