Stevland Hardaway Morris, known professionally as Stevie Wonder, is an acclaimed American singer-songwriter, musician, and record producer. A pioneer in R&B, pop, soul, gospel, funk, and jazz, Wonder reshaped contemporary music with his use of synthesizers in the 1970s.
Blind since birth, he signed with Motown at age 11. His classic period in the 1970s produced iconic albums like Talking Book, which included the hit “Superstition.” Wonder has won 25 Grammy Awards and the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2014.
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Stevie Wonder Net Worth
Stevie Wonder has a net worth of $200 million. In 2009, he purchased a 4,511-square-foot Mediterranean estate built in 1928 in Los Feliz, Los Angeles, for $2.407 million.
He listed the home for sale in 2013 for $8.199 million. In December 2021, Wonder bought a 20,000-square-foot mansion in Bel Air, Los Angeles, for $14 million. The seller was a member of the Saudi Royal Family.
Early life
Stevland Hardaway Judkins, known later as Stevie Wonder, was born in Saginaw, Michigan on May 13, 1950, the third of five children to Lula Mae Hardaway and Calvin Judkins. Born six weeks premature, Wonder became blind due to retinopathy of prematurity, a condition caused by the oxygen-rich atmosphere in the hospital incubator.
At age four, his mother moved with him to Detroit, where he sang in the choir at Whitestone Baptist Church. Wonder began playing piano, harmonica, and drums early and was signed by Motown in 1961. His stage name, “Little Stevie Wonder,” was created by Berry Gordy.
Career
At just 11, Stevie Wonder released his first album, Tribute to Uncle Ray, followed by The Jazz Soul of Little Stevie. He joined the Motortown Revue in 1962, and his single “Fingertips” became a hit. Wonder gained fame in the late 1960s with hits like “I Was Made to Love Her.”
In 1971, he let his Motown contract expire, signing a new one with higher royalties. His iconic albums Talking Book and Innervisions won multiple Grammy Awards. Wonder, a political activist, was inducted into the Soul Music Hall of Fame in 2012.
Personal life
Stevie Wonder has been married three times. He was married to Syreeta Wright from 1970 to 1972, then to fashion designer Kai Millard from 2001 to 2012. In 2017, he married Tomeeka Bracy. Wonder has nine children by five women. His first child, Aisha Morris, born in 1975, inspired his hit “Isn’t She Lovely.”
He also has children with Yolanda Simmons, Melody McCulley, and Kai Millard, including Kailand and Mandla. His ninth child, Nia, was born in 2014 with Tomeeka.
Why is Stevie Wonder so special?
Stevie Wonder is special for his musical innovation. Known for his groundbreaking work in soul, funk, and pop, he revolutionized music with his use of synthesizers and innovative production techniques. Albums like Innervisions and Songs in the Key of Life pushed musical boundaries, showcasing his unique blend of genres and pioneering sound.
Conclusion
Stevie Wonder’s journey from a child prodigy to a music legend is a testament to his unparalleled talent and enduring appeal. His net worth reflects not just his success in the music industry but also his savvy as a businessman and investor.
FAQs about Stevie Wonder Net Worth
- What is Stevie Wonder’s net worth? – Approximately $200 million.
- How did Stevie Wonder become blind? – Due to retinopathy of prematurity, a condition linked to his premature birth.
- What are some of Stevie Wonder’s most famous songs? – Hits like “Superstition,” “Isn’t She Lovely,” and “I Just Called to Say I Love You” are globally recognized.
- Has Stevie Wonder won any major music awards? – Yes, he has won 25 Grammy Awards, including a Lifetime Achievement Award.
- Is Stevie Wonder still active in his music career? – Yes, Stevie Wonder continues to be active in music, both in recording and live performances.
