Stevie Wonder is a music icon who has captivated audiences for decades. His soulful voice and masterful musicianship have earned him numerous accolades, including 25 Grammy Awards. However, one thing that many people may not know about Stevie Wonder is that he is visually impaired. In fact, he has been blind since shortly after birth. While many people associate Stevie Wonder with his trademark sunglasses, there have been rare moments when he has been seen without them. In this article, we will take a deeper look into Stevie Wonder's life, his visual impairment, and his iconic glasses.
The Early Years
Stevie Wonder was born Stevland Hardaway Judkins on May 13, 1950, in Saginaw, Michigan. He was born six weeks premature, which caused him to be placed in an incubator. Unfortunately, the oxygen used in the incubator caused Stevie to develop retinopathy of prematurity, a condition that caused his retinas to detach. As a result, he became blind shortly after birth.
Despite his visual impairment, Stevie Wonder showed a remarkable talent for music at a young age. He began playing the piano at the age of 7 and quickly showed an aptitude for it. His family recognized his talent and encouraged him to pursue music. By the time he was 11 years old, he had signed a record deal with Motown Records.
The Rise to Fame
Stevie Wonder's career took off in the 1960s when he released his first album, "The Jazz Soul of Little Stevie." However, it was his 1970 album "Signed, Sealed, Delivered" that solidified his place as a music legend. The album featured the hit singles "Signed, Sealed, Delivered I'm Yours" and "Heaven Help Us All."
In the decades since, Stevie Wonder has continued to release hit after hit. He has won numerous awards, including 25 Grammy Awards, and has been inducted into both the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and the Songwriters Hall of Fame. His music has inspired countless artists and has had a lasting impact on the music industry.
The Iconic Glasses
When most people think of Stevie Wonder, they think of his iconic sunglasses. However, the reason behind them may not be what you expect. In a 2013 interview with Oprah Winfrey, Stevie revealed that he wears the sunglasses to protect his eyes from bright lights. He explained that his eyes are extremely sensitive to light, and the sunglasses help him to manage this issue.
Despite the practical reason for the glasses, they have become a trademark of Stevie Wonder's image. He has been known to wear a variety of styles, from classic aviators to more modern designs. No matter what style he wears, the glasses have become synonymous with his music and his persona.
A Rare Glimpse
While Stevie Wonder is rarely seen without his trademark glasses, there have been a few rare moments when he has been spotted without them. In 2019, Stevie was photographed without his glasses while attending the funeral of his close friend, Aretha Franklin. The photo quickly went viral, with many people expressing surprise at seeing Stevie without his signature shades.
Despite the shock that some people felt at seeing Stevie without his glasses, it is a reminder that he is just like everyone else. He may be a music legend, but he is also a human being with his own struggles and challenges. His visual impairment is a part of who he is, but it has not stopped him from achieving greatness in his career and inspiring millions of people around the world.
A Legacy of Inspiration
Stevie Wonder's music has touched the hearts of millions of people around the world. His talent, perseverance, and positive attitude have made him an inspiration to many. Despite the challenges he has faced in his life, he has never let them hold him back. Instead, he has used them as motivation to achieve greatness and make a difference in the world.
As we look back on Stevie Wonder's life and legacy, we can see the impact that he has had on the music industry and on the world as a whole. He has shown us that anything is possible if we have the talent, the drive, and the determination to succeed. While he may be visually impaired, he has never let that define him. Instead, he has used his music to define himself and to inspire others to do the same.
Stevie Wonder is a true legend, and we can only hope that his music and his message will continue to inspire generations to come.
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