Stevie Wonder, born Steveland Morris, was made blind as the result of a hospital error soon after his birth. He began playing the harmonica at five, started piano lessons at six and then took up the drums at eight. Throughout the early 1970s, Stevie practically swept all possible Grammy awards, winning Best R & B Artist, Best Album, Best Song, and Best Male Vocal. The 1980s saw Stevie Wonder scoring his biggest hits and reaching an unprecedented level of fame, evidenced by increased album sales, high-profile collaborations and television appearances. In 1989 he was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Stevie’s extensive humanitarian work has included AIDS awareness, anti-apartheid efforts, crusades against drunk driving and drug and physical abuse, and fund raising for the blind children and the homeless. He continues to often release music and raise more awareness by addressing these serious issues. Overall, Stevie Wonder has had 10 number one hits on the pop charts, and 20 R&B number one hits, and album sales totalling more than 100 million units. As well as this, he has produced and collaborated with a multitude of other successful artists. Stevie Wonder plays the piano, synthesizer, harmonica, congas, drums, bass guitar, bongos, organ, melodica, and clavinet.
