# Stevie Wonder: The Genius Behind the Motown Legacy

At 74, Stevie Wonder breaks his silence on his groundbreaking career with Motown Records. Signed at just 11 years old in 1961 by Berry Gordy, Wonder—then Little Stevie Wonder—became a prodigy, crafting hits like “Fingertips” and “Signed, Sealed, Delivered.” Yet, fame brought exploitation; with a mere 2% royalty on 98-cent records, he earned pennies per sale and lacked creative control.

By 1971, frustrated by Motown’s refusal to grant autonomy, Wonder walked away. He recorded two independent albums, forcing Motown to renegotiate. Returning on his terms, he gained full control, ushering in a golden era. From 1972 to 1976, he released masterpieces like *Music of My Mind*, *Talking Book*, *Inner Visions*, and *Songs in the Key of Life*, winning 12 Grammys, including Album of the Year twice. His influence was immense; even Paul Simon thanked him for not competing in 1976.

Wonder’s music transcended entertainment, addressing inequality in “Living for the City” and pleading for racial unity. He mentored rappers, allowing samples, and scored films like Spike Lee’s *Jungle Fever*. Beyond music, he advocated for Martin Luther King Jr.’s birthday as a holiday.

Born prematurely, Wonder developed retinopathy of prematurity from excessive oxygen, leading to blindness. He attended the Michigan School for the Blind, debunking rumors of faked vision—his sharp hearing and touch explained feats like catching a falling mic. He enjoyed NBA games for the atmosphere and mastered life through intuition.

Tragedies nearly ended his career. In 1973, a car crash in North Carolina left him comatose with a swollen head. Recovering, he emerged stronger. Legal woes followed: his lawyer Johan Vigod, eccentric yet brilliant, secured a 6% cut; post-death, his widow demanded payments, settled privately. In 2012, comments on Frank Ocean’s sexuality sparked backlash; Wonder clarified his stance on love’s universality.

Family scandals hit hard. Cousin Alfa Walker accused him of slum-lording and misconduct, blackmailing for millions; a police sting led to 292 days in prison. A dispute with aide Angela McAfee over theft claims ended in settlement.

Personally, Wonder fathered nine children with five women. His brief 1970 marriage to Syreeta Wright ended amid infidelity whispers. He celebrated daughter Aisha with “Isn’t She Lovely.” Marriages to Kai Millard (two sons) and Tomeeka Bracy (daughter Nia) followed.

A one-man orchestra, Wonder pioneered digital recording in *Journey Through the Secret Life of Plants* (1979). With 25 Grammys, Hollywood Walk of Fame, and Rock Hall induction, his timeless hits like “Superstition” inspire generations. His story proves bravery in challenging the industry, leaving a legacy of innovation, activism, and resilience.