Voted the ninth greatest singer of the rock era in a Rolling Stone magazine poll in 2008.

Wrote the tribute for Mariah Carey`s endorsement in Time magazine`s "100 Most Influential People in the World" (Artists & Entertainers section / Issue May 12, 2008).

Inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 1983.

Became the very first blind recipient of an Academy Award when his composition "I Just Called to Say I Love You" won Best Original Song from The Woman in Red (1984) soundtrack.

Son of `Lula Mae Hardaway`.

Has been blind since birth

Wrote "Superstition" originally for friend Jeff Beck while completing his 1973 album "Talking Book." Though Beck had actually recorded the number in 1972, Motown rush-released Wonder`s cut ahead of the album, and "Superstition" became his second number one hit in January 1973

Played harmonica on Chaka Khan`s 1984 hit "I Feel For You"

Oddly enough, two other vocalists introduced his 1973 smash hit "You Are the Sunshine of My Life" (from album "Talking Book") before Wonder actually sang any lyrics. Respectively, these singers were James Gilstrap and Lani Groves.

Joined friends Dionne Warwick, Gladys Knight and Elton John on the 1986 chart-topper "That`s What Friends Are For", the proceeds of which were donated to AIDS research. Also played harmonica on the recording.

His 1976 song "Isn`t She Lovely" (from album "Songs in the Key of Life") was dedicated to then newborn daughter Aisha whose name and "baby sounds" can be heard on the track

Collaborated on the 1985 smash hit "We Are the World" (USA for Africa)

Shortly after reaching his 21st birthday in the spring of 1971, he became the first Motown Recording artist to gain complete artistic control of his records.

In addition to his being blind, he also has loss of smell due to a 1973 car crash in North Carolina from which he also has a scar.

He has 7 children. The last of these, Mandla Kadjaly Carl Stevland Morris, was born May 13, 2005. He was born on his 55th birthday and is his and Kai`s first child. Mandla means "Powerful/Defiant" in Zulu. Kadjaly is Swahili for "Born from God"

In his acceptance speech for the Oscar for Best Song in 1984, Wonder dedicated his award to imprisoned civil rights leader Nelson Mandela. The South African government promptly banned Wonder`s music from the country.

His ex-wife, Syreeta, died of breast cancer in Los Angeles on July 6, 2004.

In 1988, he announced his interest in running for mayor of Detroit in the 1992 election. However, he never followed through with a campaign.

"Little Stevie" Wonder grew up to not very little at all, as he stands over 6` tall.

He was voted the 15th Greatest Rock `n` Roll Artist of all time by Rolling Stone.

Has won 21 Grammy awards (a record for most Grammy awards)

His first #1 hit was the half-improvised "Fingertips - Part 2", recorded live in concert (The first live pop single to ever reach #1). It topped the Pop Music and R&B charts in 1963 when Stevie Wonder was only 12. You can the hear the musicians struggling to keep up with the young vocalist and harmonica player as he improvises rhythm and blues riffs, and at one point in the recording a musician is heard shouting "What key? What key?"

Elected to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1989.

At the age of 17 he performed with The Jimi Hendrix Experience playing drums at the BBC. (Jammin`/I was made to love her, BBC Sessions)

Recorded an instrumental jazz album under the name "Eivets Rednow" ("Stevie Wonder" spelled backwards).

Awarded the Polar Music Prize, the Royal Swedish Academy of Music Award, in 1999.

At age 49 he was youngest-ever recipient in the 22-year history of Kennedy Center Honors given annually for lifetime contribution to arts and culture, presented by President Bill Clinton in Wash DC, Dec. 5, 1999.