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 THE KIDS' CORNER Blindness didn’t stop this musical Wonder Famed singer/songwriter/musician Stevie Wonder overcame blindness to fulfill his dream of music. And from battling hunger, blindness and disease in Africa and the United States to fighting for racial equality and recognition, Wonder has left a legacy in society as well as the music world.Born Steveland Morris on May 13, 1950, in Saginaw, Mich., Wonder’s blindness was caused by being placed in an incubator and given too much oxygen. Wonder has always considered his blindness to be a gift from God, allowing him to increase his other senses. A child prodigy, Wonder mastered the piano at age 7 and the harmonica and drums two years later. He signed a recording contract with Motown records at the tender age of 12. His first album, "Little Stevie Wonder, the 12 Year Old Genius," made him a huge star; the single titled "Fingertips, Part 2" hit No. 1. During the childhood stage of his career, Wonder amazed audiences with his exciting performances and continued hitting the charts, and he still does today. Throughout his career, Wonder has made records that combined elements of gospel, rock and roll, jazz, and African and Latin American rhythms. His skills as a singer, keyboardist, songwriter and producer have made him very successful. Wonder’s career has been remarkable not just for his musical genius, but for his persistence in overcoming obstacles. He has received numerous awards, also winning the Grammys’ Lifetime Achievement Award. He recently performed with Big Bad Voo Doo Daddy and Gloria Estefan during the Super Bowl XXXIII halftime show. — By Alyson Hudson
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