Stevie Wonder

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Imagine a small, blind, black child, born in Michigan and raised in Detroit in the 1950s. Ordinarily, someone raised under these circumstances would not be expected to grow up to be a world-famous musician and political activist. However, Stevie Wonder is anything but ordinary. Stevie Wonder was born prematurely on May 13, 1950, and became completely blind shortly after his birth. By the age of eight, he was skilled in a plethora of musical instruments. (Richard Williams). Stevie Wonder was mentored and made famous by Barry Gordy, the founder of Motown Records, at the age of 12 and his first songs came out shortly after. He has had a long and successful career and dozens of hit records spanning from the 1960s to the 1990s. ("Stevie Wonder"). He has also spent his whole life serving and donating to dozens of charitable causes. Dedication and commitment are qualities that a hero must have. Stevie Wonder's dedication to his musicianship and his commitment to charitable causes and his beliefs are some of the many reasons why he is an inspirational hero.

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Throughout his career, Stevie Wonder was always looking to improve his musical talent and stretch his boundaries. Bio.com's biography addressed Stevie Wonder's devotion to music: "The record, which included the hit 'Fingertips' (recorded when he was 12 years old), was an immediate hit. But rather than rest on his laurels, the hard-working Wonder, who would go on to study classical piano, pushed to improve his musicianship and songwriting capabilities." ("Stevie Wonder"). Unlike many musicians who have a hit record, Stevie Wonder did not take the easy way out and recreate the same style and sound. Instead, he chose to improve his musical and songwriting abilities for himself, as well as for his many fans that he had picked up. However, that was not the only time that he chose the harder path. William Richard's biography on Stevie Wonder addressed Wonder going solo, without any partners or producers: "Any anxieties Gordy may have felt about his protégé's (Stevie Wonder's) declaration of independence were amply calmed by the run of recordings with which Wonder obliterated the competition in the mid-1970s." (Richard Williams). Wonder was an unstoppable musical force during his time. He could have continued to follow the lead of Barry Gordy, but instead he chose to go his own way. Stevie Wonder's constant, insatiable need to improve and grow as a musician is truly inspiring to artists everywhere.

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Stevie Wonder has used his fame to support many charitable causes and to stand up for what he believes in. LookToTheStars.org's website lists many of the charities that Stevie Wonder supports: "Stevie Wonder is a United Nations Messenger of Peace. All proceeds from the 'Shelter in the Rain' single were directed to Stevie's charity organization The Wonder Foundation to help with Hurricane Katrina relief efforts." ("Stevie Wonder: Charity Work & Causes."). In total, the website lists 23 charities and 24 causes that Stevie Wonder supports. This shows his devotion to making the world a better place. He selflessly donates his time and money to causes he believes in. He also speaks up for his beliefs. In an interview with A&E, Stevie Wonder was asked his opinion on gay marriage, and he responded by saying, "Clearly, love is love, between a man and a woman, a woman and a man, a woman and a woman and a man and a man." He later added, "What I'm not confused about is the world needing much more love, no hate, no prejudice, no bigotry and more unity, peace and understanding. Period." ("Stevie Wonder"). Stevie's clear stance on a controversial issue like gay marriage is very bold, and qualities like this are valuable in a hero. Even though it might be unpopular, he is unafraid to stand up for what he believes in. Stevie Wonder has committed himself to improving the lives of others, no matter what criticism he might receive. This encourages people to stand up and voice their beliefs.

Stevie Wonder shows dedication and commitment to what he does and what he believes in, and this demonstrates how much of an inspirational hero he is. Stevie Wonder has donated to many charities and aided many causes, he has stated his opinions on issues clearly, and he has devoted much of his time becoming a better, more all around musician. Stevie Wonder is very inspiring to me personally, and I believe in the equality that he so passionately stands for. Because of these reasons, I respect him as a person. I also respect his perseverance and endurance throughout his life. On the other hand, his music has touched, I am sure, many other peoples' hearts as well as mine. His lyrics are inspired, thoughtful, and they cover many issues. He addresses racism in "Apartheid, it's Wrong," and he addresses poverty in "Village Ghetto Land." Stevie Wonder's influence in the musical and non-musical world is tremendous. He is innovative, strong, and a true hero. His dedication and commitment make him an idol to aspiring musicians, people who have been discriminated against, and even people with disabilities everywhere. Even though Stevie Wonder is blind, he can see into people's hearts better than others.

Works Consulted

Bowers, Delbert S. "Stevie Wonder." Great Lives From History: African Americans (2010): 27. Biography Reference Center. Web. 30 Apr. 2015.

"Ebony Ivory Lyrics." - Stevie Wonder Ebony Ivory. Lyricsfreak.com, 2015. Web. 07 May 2015.

Lester, Paul. "Stevie Wonder: 'I Never Thought of Being Blind and Black as a Disadvantage'" The Guardian. The Guardian, 30 Aug. 2012. Web. 3 May 2015.

"Stevie Wonder." Bio. A&E Television Networks, 2015. Web. 30 Apr. 2015.

Richard, Williams. "Wonder, Stevie." Britannica Biographies (2012): 1. Biography Reference Center. Web. 30 Apr. 2015.

"Stevie Wonder." Contemporary Black Biography. Vol. 53. Detroit: Gale, 2006. Biography in Context. Web. 30 Apr. 2015.

"Stevie Wonder: Charity Work & Causes." Look to the Stars. Look to the Stars, 2014. Web. 15 May 2015.