At the United Nations General Assembly high level meeting on disabilities, global music icon and UN Messenger of Peace, Stevie Wonder, met … This caused the young baby to become blind. By the time he was 10, his singing and other musical skills were known throughout his neighborhood, and when the family moved to Detroit, impressed adults made his talents known to the owners of Motown Records, who gave him a recording contract when he was age … © 2021 Disability Solutions at Ability Beyond, The Key to Unlocking the Return to Work, Making it Inclusive for Everyone, A Founder's Journey - Paula Vieillet, CEO & Founder at My Employment Options, 2020 Diversity, Inclusion and Disability Awareness Calendar, Creating a Strategic Playbook to Attract and Hire People with Disabilities, Changing Minds and Changing Lives: The Measurable Business Benefits of Hiring People with Disabiliti, {"items":["60745d2edcd25d0015bc400a","600eeea7e9abf30017870900","5f7cc991dca4610017e13355","5f7cc991dca4610017e13356","5f7cc991dca4610017e13357","5f7cc991dca4610017e13358","5f7cc991dca4610017e1335a","5f7cc98e544880001786e612","5f7cc98ec8141900181be785","5f7cc992e3e32a0017ccaa18"],"styles":{"galleryType":"Strips","groupSize":1,"showArrows":true,"cubeImages":true,"cubeType":"fill","cubeRatio":"100%/100%","isVertical":false,"gallerySize":30,"collageDensity":0.8,"groupTypes":"1","oneRow":true,"imageMargin":0,"galleryMargin":0,"scatter":0,"rotatingScatter":"","chooseBestGroup":true,"smartCrop":false,"hasThumbnails":false,"enableScroll":true,"isGrid":false,"isSlider":false,"isColumns":false,"isSlideshow":true,"cropOnlyFill":false,"fixedColumns":1,"enableInfiniteScroll":true,"isRTL":false,"minItemSize":120,"rotatingGroupTypes":"","rotatingCropRatios":"","columnWidths":"","gallerySliderImageRatio":1.7777777777777777,"numberOfImagesPerRow":3,"numberOfImagesPerCol":1,"groupsPerStrip":0,"borderRadius":0,"boxShadow":0,"gridStyle":0,"mobilePanorama":false,"placeGroupsLtr":false,"viewMode":"preview","thumbnailSpacings":4,"galleryThumbnailsAlignment":"bottom","isMasonry":false,"isAutoSlideshow":true,"slideshowLoop":false,"autoSlideshowInterval":3,"bottomInfoHeight":0,"titlePlacement":"SHOW_ON_HOVER","galleryTextAlign":"center","scrollSnap":true,"itemClick":"nothing","fullscreen":true,"videoPlay":"hover","scrollAnimation":"NO_EFFECT","slideAnimation":"SCROLL","scrollDirection":1,"scrollDuration":400,"overlayAnimation":"FADE_IN","arrowsPosition":0,"arrowsSize":18,"watermarkOpacity":40,"watermarkSize":40,"useWatermark":true,"watermarkDock":{"top":"auto","left":"auto","right":0,"bottom":0,"transform":"translate3d(0,0,0)"},"loadMoreAmount":"all","defaultShowInfoExpand":1,"allowLinkExpand":true,"expandInfoPosition":0,"allowFullscreenExpand":true,"fullscreenLoop":false,"galleryAlignExpand":"left","addToCartBorderWidth":1,"addToCartButtonText":"","slideshowInfoSize":110,"playButtonForAutoSlideShow":false,"allowSlideshowCounter":false,"hoveringBehaviour":"NEVER_SHOW","thumbnailSize":120,"magicLayoutSeed":1,"imageHoverAnimation":"NO_EFFECT","imagePlacementAnimation":"NO_EFFECT","calculateTextBoxWidthMode":"PERCENT","textBoxHeight":0,"textBoxWidth":200,"textBoxWidthPercent":50,"textImageSpace":10,"textBoxBorderRadius":0,"textBoxBorderWidth":0,"loadMoreButtonText":"","loadMoreButtonBorderWidth":1,"loadMoreButtonBorderRadius":0,"imageInfoType":"ATTACHED_BACKGROUND","itemBorderWidth":0,"itemBorderRadius":0,"itemEnableShadow":false,"itemShadowBlur":20,"itemShadowDirection":135,"itemShadowSize":10,"imageLoadingMode":"BLUR","expandAnimation":"NO_EFFECT","imageQuality":90,"usmToggle":false,"usm_a":0,"usm_r":0,"usm_t":0,"videoSound":false,"videoSpeed":"1","videoLoop":true,"jsonStyleParams":"","gallerySizeType":"px","gallerySizePx":220,"allowTitle":true,"allowContextMenu":true,"textsHorizontalPadding":-30,"showVideoPlayButton":true,"galleryLayout":5,"arrowsColor":"rgba(0,52,72,1)","targetItemSize":220,"selectedLayout":"5|bottom|1|fill|false|1|true","layoutsVersion":2,"selectedLayoutV2":5,"isSlideshowFont":true,"externalInfoHeight":0,"externalInfoWidth":0},"container":{"width":220,"height":234,"galleryWidth":220,"galleryHeight":123,"scrollBase":0}}, A Vision for the Future - Part Two: Interview with Casey Harris of X Ambassadors, Should Small Businesses Hire People with Disabilities? Stevland Hardaway Judkins was born blind – the third of six children in a poor family living in Saginaw, Michigan. His response: The month of February also celebrates the biggest night in music with the GRAMMY Awards to recognize outstanding achievement in the music industry. Rather, it served as his inspiration. Without hesitation, Mr. Gordy signed the young talented Stevie who became known as “the Eighth Wonder of the World” and nicknamed ‘little boy wonder’ because of his ability to play numerous instruments and sing at the same time. In his masterful hands, sound becomes light and colour, and vice versa, giving his music an extra multi-sensory dimension. Stevie Wonder, American singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist, a child prodigy who developed into one of the most creative musical figures of the late 20th century, known for the hit songs ‘My Cherie Amour,’ ‘Superstition,’ ‘Higher Ground,’ and ‘You Are the Sunshine of My Life,’ among others. There are also recordings by other artists to whom he gave songs, duets, etc. For more than five decades, Stevie Wonder has been a powerful musical force. In the early 1970s, Wonder toured with the Rolling Stones and had major hits with the songs "Superstition" and "You are the Sunshine of My Life." His disability did not discourage him, and he often treated it as an asset that allowed him to concentrate on his experiments and research. 'Fulfillingness' First Finale' Fulfillingness' First Finale, released after Wonder had survived a serious … Wonders’ contributions helped to propel the crossover success of Motown Records, which in turn helped to break down social and racial barriers. Born prematurely, he suffered from a condition known as Retinopathy of prematurity which caused his blindness. This slideshow is a comprehensive introduction to the work and impact of Stevie Wonder. When he declared, “We need to make every single thing accessible to every single person with a disability," the star-studded crowd went wild. Over the years Stevie Wonder has delivered 32 No. Stevie Wonder is one of the most iconic musicians of all time. This also includes those that suffer from disabilities. Stevie never complains about being blind; he just finds new ways to succeed in being a musician. Use Your Voice to Create a More Inclusive World – we all can make a difference. In 2009, the United Nations named Stevie Wonder U.N. Messenger of Peace with the special mission of helping people with disabilities. Born Stevland Hardaway Judkins in Saginaw, Michigan, the man we have come to know as Stevie Wonder faced many obstacles early on in his life. Stevie Wonder, even with this disability, made his landmark to be a pioneer and innovator in the music industry. Stevie Wonder’s Disability; Blindness “Do you know, it’s funny, but I never thought of being blind as a disadvantage” (Gigliotti 103). Blow Everyone Away With Every Opportunity – especially those who cast doubt on your abilities. Stevie Wonder was born Stevland Hardaway Judkins on May 13, 1950, in Saginaw, Michigan, USA, to Calvin Judkins and Lula Mae Hardaway. There are many individuals that suffer from different kind of hardships. Does Stevie Wonder have a disability? Helen Keller. And I don’t mean that egotistically – I love that God has allowed me to take whatever it was that I had and to make something out of it. By the age of 11, young Stevie was introduced to Motown CEO Berry Gordy and auditioned to be signed to his music label. He inspired and influenced several people to chase their dreams disability or not. I love me! In 2005, the Library of Congress added Stevie Wonder's 1976 double album "Songs in the Key of Life" to the National Recording Registry, which recognizes recordings that are "culturally, historically or aesthetically important, and/or inform or reflect life in the United States. Although, I am a music lover and fan of Stevie Wonder and his music, I did not know much about his life story. Despite facing many challenges in life, he became one of the most well-known performers, and he has a lot to teach aspiring musicians. Certainly, he was subtle when making this statement about the treaty at the Grammy Awards, but he was much clearer at the Marrakesh Treaty Press Conference where he said, “I will not be done with my commitment until my life is done. “It’s funny but I never thought of being blind as a disadvantage, and I never thought of being black as a disadvantage. He was the third of six children born in the family. Moments earlier he had them laughing and cheering over braille. Wonders’ impact on social justice extends to his work campaigning against apartheid in South Africa, lobbying to make Martin Luther King’s birthday a National Holiday in the U.S., and using his musical talents to help produce the groundbreaking “We Are the World” fundraiser for hunger. Grammy award winning singer Stevie Wonder has addressed a high level United Nations meeting designed to encourage countries to do more to improve the lives of people living with disabilities. Stevie's songs have been covered by many artists including Eric Clapton, Barbra Streisand, Marc Anthony, Mary J. Blige, John Mellencamp, and the Red Hot Chili Peppers, just to name a few. Fingertips2. Mentioned below are some well-known individuals that suffer from different kinds of disabilities. Born in Saginaw, Michigan in 1950, Stevie Wonder became blind shortly after birth. This year the Recording Academy will also present An All-Star Grammy Salute to Stevie Wonder to celebrate the 25-time GRAMMY winner and Recording Academy Lifetime Achievement recipient. 5) Love Yourself All STEVIE WONDER Quotes about “Disability” “Just because a man lacks the use of his eyes doesn't mean he lacks vision.” “I know that there'll be a continuation of making the world more accessible for people with disabilities.” His work includes campaigning for disability rights on the U.S. President’s Committee on Employment of People with Disabilities and the Junior Blind of America. By Andrea Park February 15, 2016 / 9:54 PM / CBS News Grammys 2016 highlights 68 photos. He collected an Academy Award for the 1984 hit "I Just Called to Say I Love You" from the film The Woman in Red. He knew his value and seized the opportunity to sign a new contract with Motown. It includes the breakout hits "I Wish," "Sir Duke," and "Pastime Paradise;" the latter song was sampled in 1995 within a hit by another artist, Coolio. The following Stevie Wonder songs are included:1. That’s what happened on Monday, February 15, at the 58th Annual Grammy Awards. In the end, his savvy business negotiations paid off for him creatively, as it was after this deal that Wonder would go on to produce the best-selling and most critically acclaimed album of his career, Songs in the Key of Life. In his 84 years, Edison acquired 1,093 patents—a record for his time. He didn’t let his disability stop him from creating music. Therefore, I enjoyed this learning experience and wanted to share my top 5 lessons learned from Stevie Wonder. 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In 1999, Stevie became the youngest honoree of the Kennedy Center Honors. Upon being given this honor Stevie said: “It is beyond my ability to fathom that 10 percent of people of this world don’t matter to the other 90 percent of the people in the world. Due to being born six weeks premature, Stevie Wonder was born with a condition called retinopathy of prematurity, which made him blind. Wonder, who’s been blind almost since birth, is a committed advocate for people with disabilities, a courageous political activist, and a compassionate philanthropist who’s hosted the House Full of Toys fundraiser to benefit children for nearly two decades. This deal not only meant an increase in royalties, but also creative control that gave Wonder the right to produce and record his music any place, any time, and in any way. As early as the age of four, a talent for music revealed itself with a young Stevie using pots and pans to create rhythms and beats. Grammys 2016: Stevie Wonder calls for disability rights. Remember his story and let it be a reminder to you that no matter what the circumstances may be: Don’t Let Anything Stop You from reaching your goals. He didn’t let his disability stop him from reaching his goals. Stevie Wonder: Obstacles Overcame Summary As you have found out, Stevie Wonder was a musical sensation that faced many obstacles. This caused his retinas to detach from where they were supposed to be. He still lives to this day and as he dies, Stevie Wonder just called for accessibility for everyone on national TV at the Grammy's." So YES, Stevie Wonder, who is blind, would qualify as a person with a disability. He was born six weeks premature, which caused retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) which in turn caused vision loss. “Little Stevie” developed his passion for music as a young child. He authored the Smokey Robinson hit "The Tears of a Clown.". 3) Be the Master of Your Own Destiny In 1989, he was inducted into the Rock'n'Roll Hall of Fame. Diana Ross approached Gordy and asked, “How are we [The Supremes] supposed to follow that?” Stevie grew up at Motown and helped to create the famous Motown sound writing hits for himself and others. In light of this great honor, it was only appropriate to recognize Stevie Wonder: The Eighth Wonder of the World. He learned to play the harmonica, piano and drums by age 9. Also, Wonder’s music addressed issues in the world like racism and hunger. Stevie Wonder, whose real name is Stevland Hardaway Morris, was not born blind, contrary to popular belief. Therefore, I enjoyed this learning experience and wanted to share my top 5 lessons learned from Stevie Wonder. The genius in me is God – it’s the God in me coming out.” Stevie Wonder is the UN Messenger of Peace and he joined more than 800 representatives of people with disabilities at the event in New York. ", He undertook the study of classical piano, and later, music theory, and beginning in 1967, he began writing more of his own material. One out of five people has a disability, yet movies, … In an effort to keep the talented artist, Gordy made an unprecedented concession by giving Stevie the ownership of his publishing rights: a feat that had not been accomplished by any other Motown artist at the time. I’m not able to believe that, and the only way that we can show our caring about that 10 percent is by doing something to make the world more accessible and for people to be accepted with disabilities by committing ourselves to opening all the doors and all the possibilities for those who are physically challenged in any way.” Wonder has been a long time humanitarian for children in need and for persons with disabilities. He was inducted into the Songwriters' Hall of Fame in 2002, and in 2004 he won the Johnny Mercer Award in recognition of a lifetime of outstanding creative work. Little Stevie Wonder starred in the Motown Revue and traveled the country with other famous acts such as The Supremes and Marvin Gaye. I was just blessed to have ideas. Stevie Wonder turned his disability into a superpower. The iconic soul singer, who was born … Stevie Wonder, even with this disability, made his landmark to be a pioneer and innovator in the music... See full bio » In the mid-70s, his album "Songs in the Key of Life" topped the charts for 14 weeks. Download Definitive Guide for Child Disability Tax Credit About Singer-songwriter Stevie Wonder’s long career has reflected his concern with humanitarian issues. 1 R&B and Pop singles, 49 Top 40 R&B and Pop singles, and garnered 25 Grammy Awards, as well as the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 1996. In a 2012 interview for The Guardian, Wonder is asked if he considers his ‘disadvantages’ (being born blind and black) to be what made him who he is. His tutor, who traveled with him, recalls a performance during which Stevie had the audience singing and dancing in the aisles. "A DISABILITY refers to a reduction of function or the absence of a particular body part or organ." An American author, political activist and lecturer who is on the Alabama state quarter, … I am what I am. It includes recordings by Stevie Wonder from 1962 through 2015. “Stevie Wonder is a true inspiration to young people all over the world about what can be achieved despite any physical limitations” Ban said. When Stevie Wonderwas born prematurely, he suffered from a case of retinopathy of prematurity. One of the most creative musical figures of our time has not only given us great music as his legacy but important lessons in life. Raised by a single mother and the third of six children, the family moved to Detroit, Michigan to improve their poor economic condition. Superstar singer-songwriter Stevie Wonder lost his sight as a newborn when he came into the world six weeks early with retinopathy of prematurity (ROP), an eye disorder … I immediately went to Google and typed in "Stevie Wonder Accessibility and Grammys" and there it was. Despite being blind, he was able to over come these obstacles and fulfill his destiny as a famous rocker. 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