Early Life and Education of Stevie Wonder: A Complete Timeline

An overview of the childhood and early education of Stevie Wonder, highlighting the experiences that shaped the journey.

Stevie Wonder, born Stevland Hardaway Morris, is a highly influential American singer-songwriter, musician, and record producer. Blind from infancy, he became a child prodigy, signing with Motown's Tamla label at age 11. Wonder is celebrated for his pioneering use of synthesizers and electronic instruments, revolutionizing R&B in the 1970s. He is credited with transforming R&B, pop, soul, gospel, funk, and jazz music into complex album-oriented works, known for their cohesive nature and socially conscious themes. He is considered a pioneer and influence by musicians across a range of genres.

Sections (5)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Legacy & Impact

1970: Marriage to Syreeta Wright

In 1970, Stevie Wonder married Motown singer-songwriter Syreeta Wright.

1972: Divorce from Syreeta Wright

In 1972, Stevie Wonder and Syreeta Wright divorced amicably.

October 21, 1974: Speech and Song at UMass Boston

On October 21, 1974, during the Boston busing desegregation, Stevie Wonder spoke and led students in song at the University of Massachusetts Boston.

February 2, 1975: Birth of Aisha Morris

On February 2, 1975, Yolanda Simmons gave birth to Stevie Wonder's daughter, Aisha Morris, who later inspired the song "Isn't She Lovely?".

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1977: Birth of Keita

In 1977, Yolanda Simmons gave birth to Stevie Wonder's son, Keita.

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1980: Campaign for Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday

In 1980, Stevie Wonder campaigned to make Martin Luther King Jr.'s birthday a federal holiday in the United States.

1983: Birth of Mumtaz Morris

In 1983, Stevie Wonder had a son named Mumtaz Morris with Melody McCulley.

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2001: Marriage to Kai Millard

In 2001, Stevie Wonder married fashion designer Kai Millard.

May 13, 2005: Birth of Mandla Kadjay Carl Stevland Morris

On May 13, 2005, Stevie Wonder's 55th birthday, his younger son Mandla Kadjay Carl Stevland Morris was born to second wife Kai Millard Morris.

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May 31, 2006: Death of Lula Mae Hardaway

On May 31, 2006, Stevie Wonder's mother, Lula Mae Hardaway, died in Los Angeles at the age of 76.

October 2009: Separation from Kai Millard

In October 2009, Stevie Wonder and Kai Millard separated.

2009: Michael Jackson Memorial Service

In 2009, Stevie Wonder sang at the Michael Jackson memorial service.

August 2012: Divorce Filing

In August 2012, Stevie Wonder filed for divorce from Kai Millard.

2012: Etta James' Funeral and Whitney Houston's Memorial Service

In 2012, Stevie Wonder sang at Etta James' funeral and a month later, at Whitney Houston's memorial service.

December 2014: Birth of Nia

In December 2014, Stevie Wonder's ninth child, Nia, was born to Tomeeka Robyn Bracy. Nia means "purpose" (one of the seven principles of Kwanzaa).

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October 2015: Vegetarianism on "The Late Late Show with James Corden"

In October 2015, Stevie Wonder, consistent with his spiritual vision, sang about becoming a vegetarian, and later a vegan, during the "Carpool Karaoke" segment on The Late Late Show with James Corden.

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2017: Marriage to Tomeeka Bracy

In 2017, Stevie Wonder married Tomeeka Bracy.

2018: Aretha Franklin's Funeral

In 2018, Stevie Wonder sang at the funeral of Aretha Franklin.

July 6, 2019: Kidney Transplant Announcement

On July 6, 2019, at a concert in London's Hyde Park, Stevie Wonder announced that he would be undergoing a kidney transplant in September.

October 2022: 50th Anniversary of Talking Book

In October 2022, Stevie Wonder celebrated the 50th anniversary of his album Talking Book.

May 13, 2024: Ghanaian Citizenship Conferral

On May 13, 2024, Stevie Wonder's 74th birthday, he was conferred Ghanaian citizenship by Ghana's President Nana Akufo-Addo, taking the Oath of Allegiance and receiving his Certificate of Citizenship at Jubilee House in Accra.