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. Acknowledged as a pioneer across genres like R&B, pop, soul, gospel, funk, and jazz, he redefined contemporary R&B in the 1970s with his innovative use of synthesizers and electronic instruments. Blind since shortly after birth, Wonder signed with Motown's Tamla label at age 11 and was branded 'Little Stevie Wonder'. He's known for crafting socially conscious albums with complex compositions, solidifying his place as a music icon.
May 13, 1950: Stevie Wonder's Birth
On May 13, 1950, Stevland Hardaway Judkins, later known as Stevie Wonder, was born. He is an American singer-songwriter, musician, and record producer.
1961: Signed by Motown, Surname Changed
In 1961, Stevie Wonder was signed by Motown, and his surname was legally changed to Morris. Berry Gordy created the stage name "Little Stevie Wonder".
1962: Enrollment in Michigan School for the Blind
After his first album release, in 1962, Stevie Wonder enrolled in the Michigan School for the Blind in Lansing, Michigan.
November 1967: Martin Luther King Jr. receives honorary degree from Newcastle University
In November 1967, Martin Luther King Jr. received an honorary degree from Newcastle University.
September 1970: Marriage to Syreeta Wright
In September 1970, Stevie Wonder married Syreeta Wright, a songwriter and former Motown secretary.
1970: Marriage to Syreeta Wright
In 1970, Stevie Wonder married Motown singer-songwriter Syreeta Wright.
May 13, 1971: Contract Expiration with Motown
On May 13, 1971, Stevie Wonder, reaching his 21st birthday, allowed his Motown contract to expire.
1971: Reaching Twenty-One
By 1971, most of Stevie Wonder's early songs had hit the charts.
1972: Divorce from Syreeta Wright
In 1972, Stevie Wonder and Syreeta Wright divorced amicably.
August 6, 1973: Automobile Accident
On August 6, 1973, Stevie Wonder was involved in a serious car accident while on tour in North Carolina, resulting in a coma for four days, partial loss of his sense of smell, and temporary loss of taste.
November 1973: Shaw University Benefit Performance
In November 1973, despite doctor's orders, Wonder performed at a homecoming benefit concert for Shaw University in Raleigh, which was facing financial difficulties. The benefit raised over $10,000 for the school's scholarship fund.
October 21, 1974: Speech and Performance at University of Massachusetts Boston
On October 21, 1974, Stevie Wonder spoke and led students in song at the University of Massachusetts Boston during the Boston busing desegregation.
February 2, 1975: Birth of Daughter Aisha Morris
On February 2, 1975, Stevie Wonder's daughter Aisha Morris was born to Yolanda Simmons.
1976: Demonstration of the Kurzweil Reading Machine
In 1976, Stevie Wonder learned about the Kurzweil Reading Machine, the first multi-font reading machine for the blind, and became the user of the first production unit, beginning a long-term relationship with Ray Kurzweil.
1977: Birth of Son Keita
In 1977, Stevie Wonder and Yolanda Simmons had a son, Keita.
1983: Birth of Son Mumtaz Morris
In 1983, Stevie Wonder had a son named Mumtaz Morris with Melody McCulley.
1985: Honored by the United Nations
In 1985, on his 35th birthday, Stevie Wonder was honored by the United Nations Special Committee Against Apartheid for his stance against racism in South Africa.
1992: Performance at Panafest in Ghana
In 1992, Stevie Wonder performed at Panafest, an international music festival in Ghana, where he composed many of the songs for "Conversation Peace".
1994: Headlining concert at the National Theatre in Accra
In 1994, as co-chair of Panafest, Stevie Wonder headlined a concert at the National Theatre in Accra, Ghana.
1995: Interview discussing move to Ghana
In 1995, Stevie Wonder described the powerful impact of his 1992 visit to Ghana and how he decided he'd eventually move there permanently.
May 1999: Honorary Doctorate from Rutgers University
In May 1999, Rutgers University presented Stevie Wonder with an honorary doctorate degree in fine arts.
December 1999: Interest in Retinal Prosthesis
In December 1999, Stevie Wonder announced his interest in pursuing an intraocular retinal prosthesis to partially restore his sight.
2001: Marriage to Kai Millard
In 2001, Stevie Wonder married fashion designer Kai Millard.
May 13, 2005: Birth of Son Mandla Kadjay Carl Stevland Morris
On May 13, 2005, Stevie Wonder's son Mandla Kadjay Carl Stevland Morris was born to Kai Millard, on Stevie's 55th birthday.
2005: Touring and Recording with Aisha Morris
In 2005, Aisha Morris, Stevie Wonder's daughter, toured with her father and accompanied him on recordings, including his album A Time to Love.
May 31, 2006: Death of Mother Lula Mae Hardaway
On May 31, 2006, Stevie Wonder's mother, Lula Mae Hardaway, passed away in Los Angeles.
October 2009: Separation from Kai Millard
In October 2009, Stevie Wonder and Kai Millard separated.
2009: Performance at Michael Jackson Memorial Service
In 2009, Stevie Wonder sang at the memorial service for Michael Jackson.
August 2012: Divorce Filing from Kai Millard
In August 2012, Stevie Wonder filed for divorce from Kai Millard.
2012: Performance at Etta James' and Whitney Houston's Funeral
In 2012, Stevie Wonder sang at the funeral of Etta James and, a month later, at Whitney Houston's memorial service.
December 2014: Birth of Daughter Nia
In December 2014, Stevie Wonder's daughter Nia was born to Tomeeka Robyn Bracy.
2014: Stevie Wonder Receives Presidential Medal of Freedom
In 2014, Stevie Wonder was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by President Barack Obama, presented at a ceremony in the White House on November 24th that year.
October 2015: Singing About Veganism
In October 2015, Stevie Wonder sang about being a vegan on The Late Late Show with James Corden during "Carpool Karaoke".
2017: Marriage to Tomeeka Bracy
In 2017, Stevie Wonder married Tomeeka Bracy.
April 4, 2018: Joining Twitter and Honoring Martin Luther King Jr.
On April 4, 2018, Stevie Wonder joined Twitter with a video honoring Martin Luther King Jr. and his 1963 "I Have a Dream" speech.
2018: Performance at Aretha Franklin's Funeral
In 2018, Stevie Wonder sang at the funeral of Aretha Franklin.
July 6, 2019: Announcement of Kidney Transplant
On July 6, 2019, Stevie Wonder announced at a concert in London's Hyde Park that he would be undergoing a kidney transplant in September.
2023: Awarded Freedom of the City of Newcastle upon Tyne
In 2023, Stevie Wonder was awarded the Freedom of the City of Newcastle upon Tyne, England, in recognition of his campaign to establish a U.S. national holiday for Martin Luther King, Jr.
May 13, 2024: Stevie Wonder Receives Ghanaian Citizenship
On May 13, 2024, Stevie Wonder's 74th birthday, he was conferred Ghanaian citizenship by Ghana's President Nana Akufo-Addo. Wonder took the Oath of Allegiance and received his Certificate of Citizenship at Jubilee House in Accra.
May 2024: Stevie Wonder Receives George Peabody Medal
In May 2024, Stevie Wonder was a recipient of the George Peabody Medal for Outstanding Contributions to Music and Dance in America, the highest honor awarded by the Peabody Institute of Johns Hopkins University.
August 21, 2024: Wonder endorses Kamala Harris at 2024 Democratic National Convention
On August 21, 2024, Stevie Wonder performed "Higher Ground" at the 2024 Democratic National Convention and endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris in the 2024 United States presidential election. He also spoke, encouraging people to choose courage over complacency.
