Stevie Wonder: A Life of Sound and Song
Stevland Hardaway Morris, known professionally as Stevie Wonder, was born in Saginaw, Michigan, on May 13, 1950. His family moved to Detroit when he was a young child. He sang and played instruments from an early age, and Motown musician Ronnie White helped introduce him to the record company.
Wonder joined Motown’s Tamla label at age 11 and was first billed as Little Stevie Wonder. He recorded “Fingertips” as a live performance; it reached number one on the U.S. charts in 1963, when he was 13. The record brought his music to listeners across the country and began a long career with Motown.
As Wonder grew older, he took a larger role in making his records. Albums such as Talking Book and Innervisions reached the top five on the U.S. album chart, and Songs in the Key of Life reached number one. Their credits show how a musician can contribute as a singer, songwriter, and producer. Listening for changes in rhythm, instruments, and mood helps explain why different listeners connect with the music.
- label:
- A company that produces and sells recorded music.
- producer:
- A person who oversees and guides the recording of music.
- melody:
- A tune or sequence of musical notes that make up a song.
- prominent:
- Important, well-known, or easily noticed.
- induction:
- The formal act of admitting someone into an honor society or hall of fame.
- institutions:
- Established organizations dedicated to public service, education, or culture.
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- 1What was Stevie Wonder's birth name, and where was he born?
- 2How did Stevie Wonder get introduced to Motown Records?
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About this biography passage for Upper Elementary
“Stevie Wonder: A Life of Sound and Song” is a biography reading passage about Stevie Wonder, written for Upper Elementary. It takes about 2 minutes to read (331 words) and comes with an interactive quiz and a printable worksheet with comprehension questions and an answer key.