Stevie Wonder, a 25-time Grammy winner and Rock & Roll Hall of Famer, continues to engage with fans and fellow artists alike. Famous for his blindness from birth, Wonder considers the world around him and how music has played a role in everything. Recently, he shared insights during interviews with journalist Wesley Morris and former President Barack Obama, as well as a conversation on his podcast, “The Wonder of Stevie.“
Stevie Wonder was blinded shortly after birth from an incubator accident. Those formative experiences would later deeply inform his approach to life and art. He recently looked back on his childhood, in an interview with CNN, noting, “I was born, and shortly thereafter, I went blind. My mother struggled with a number of different things, and that really affected my life.” These reflections serve to underscore just how deep of a thinker and how rooted in the cosmos Wonder always has been.
In 2011, Wonder joined forces with Justin Bieber for two splashy appearances on national broadcasts. They sang together at a charity benefit show in Los Angeles and showcased their talents on “The X Factor.” Though their artistic chemistry sadly still hasn’t let up over the years completely, it was powerful enough to bring about a FaceTime call between the two artists in 2024. After this call, Bieber went on Instagram to gush about Wonder, further deepening their connection.
Both artists are united by a passion for transcendent, borderless music. Wonder’s classic “Overjoyed” captures the feeling beautifully. Bieber recently helped put a spotlight on this short classic by posting a clip of it in one of his Instagram stories. This joint effort is a testament to the power and legacy Wonder has over countless new generations of young musicians.
In all, Wonder came across with a strong sense of purpose and belief in the work still to come. He told me, “Maybe God has something for me that’s bigger than all this.” His words express an understanding that it’s never too late to grow and develop new things, even after a successful career filled with achievements.
Wonder’s performances remain memorable, including his rendition of “Someday at Christmas” during the 2011 charity event and “The Christmas Song” on “The X Factor.” These exhibits are a testament to his everlasting giftedness and contagious spirit that has made so many around the world happy.