Euro 200 Performer charts Archives overview Frontpage All charts
 
       
                     
     
                     
  TOP   APC   PEAK   title   YEAR  
  1   1486   272   I JUST CALLED TO SAY I LOVE YOU   1984  
  2   2094   733   I WISH   1977  
  3   3065   585   MASTER BLASTER (JAMMIN')   1980  
  4   3074   1300   SUPERSTITION   1973  
  5   3589   806   EBONY AND IVORY   1982  
  6   4244   1657   ISN'T SHE LOVELY   1976  
  7   4842   1836   SIR DUKE   1977  
  8   7692   2782   HOW COME, HOW LONG   1997  
  9   8560   2649   YESTER ME, YESTER YOU, YESTERDAY   1969  
  10   8895   1958   BLOWIN' IN THE WIND   1966  
  11   9677   3599   YOU ARE THE SUNSHINE OF MY LIFE   1973  
  12   10585   2478   PART TIME LOVER   1985  
  13   11239   3783   HAPPY BIRTHDAY   1981  
  14   13878   3895   FINGERTIPS   1963  
  15   14505   11962   FAITH   2016  
  16   15212   6014   I WAS MADE TO LOVE HER   1967  
  17   16193   5242   GET IT   1988  
  18   16421   5310   ANOTHER STAR   1977  
  19   16577   8161   TRUE TO YOUR HEART   1998  
  20   16955   6543   SIGNED, SEALED, DELIVERED I'M YOURS   1970  
  21   17247   5647   MY LOVE   1988  
  22   18283   5946   A PLACE IN THE SUN   1966  
  23   18753   6279   FREE   1989  
  24   19999   6780   DON'T YOU WORRY 'BOUT A THING   1974  
  25       7446   DO I DO   1982  
  26       7120   NEVER HAD A DREAM COME TRUE   1970  
  27       6592   MY CHERIE AMOUR   1969  
  28       7293   I DON'T KNOW WHY   1969  
  29       8803  
I AIN'T GONNA STAND FOR IT
  1980  
  30       3548   YOU HAVEN'T DONE NOTHING   1974  
                     
                     
  Stevie Wonder, born Stevland Hardaway Judkins on May 13, 1950, in Saginaw, Michigan, is one of the most influential and prolific musicians in the history of popular music. Blind from infancy due to complications from being born prematurely, Wonder’s lack of sight never hindered his extraordinary musical vision. Raised in Detroit, he was immersed in the rich musical culture of the city, and his talents were evident from a young age. By the time he was eleven, he had signed with Motown’s Tamla label, thanks to Ronnie White of The Miracles, who introduced him to Berry Gordy. Gordy dubbed him “Little Stevie Wonder,” a name that would soon become synonymous with genius.

At just thirteen, Wonder scored his first number-one hit with the live recording of “Fingertips,” making him the youngest artist ever to top the American Charts. This early success marked the beginning of a career that would span decades and redefine the boundaries of soul, R&B, funk, and pop. Throughout the 1960s, Wonder continued to release hits such as “Uptight (Everything’s Alright),” “I Was Made to Love Her,” and “My Cherie Amour,” showcasing his ability to blend infectious melodies with heartfelt lyrics.

The 1970s marked a period of unparalleled creativity and innovation for Wonder. He released a string of groundbreaking albums that not only achieved commercial success but also pushed the artistic limits of popular music. “Music of My Mind” (1972) was the first album where Wonder had full artistic control, and it set the stage for what was to come. “Talking Book” (1972) followed, featuring classics like “Superstition” and “You Are the Sunshine of My Life.” These songs demonstrated his mastery of the clavinet and his ability to craft songs that were both musically complex and universally appealing.

In 1973, Wonder released “Innervisions,” an album that tackled social issues with songs like “Living for the City” and “Higher Ground.” The album won the Grammy for Album of the Year and solidified Wonder’s reputation as a socially conscious artist. His next album, “Fulfillingness’ First Finale” (1974), continued this trend with tracks like “Boogie On Reggae Woman” and “You Haven’t Done Nothin’,” the latter a pointed critique of political hypocrisy.

Perhaps his most ambitious and celebrated work came in 1976 with “Songs in the Key of Life.” This double LP was a tour de force, featuring a wide range of musical styles and themes. Songs like “Sir Duke,” “I Wish,” “Pastime Paradise,” and “Isn’t She Lovely” became instant classics. The album debuted at number one on the American Album Charts and remained there for thirteen consecutive weeks. It won multiple Grammys and is often cited as one of the greatest albums of all time.

Wonder’s influence extended beyond music. He was a vocal advocate for civil rights and social justice. His efforts were instrumental in the campaign to make Martin Luther King Jr.’s birthday a national holiday, and his song “Happy Birthday” became an anthem for the cause. He also used his platform to speak out against apartheid in South Africa and supported various humanitarian efforts around the world.

In the 1980s, Wonder continued to produce hits and collaborate with other artists. “I Just Called to Say I Love You,” from the soundtrack of “The Woman in Red,” became one of his biggest international hits, winning an Academy Award for Best Original Song. Other notable tracks from this era include “Part-Time Lover,” “Overjoyed,” and “Go Home.” He also collaborated with Paul McCartney on “Ebony and Ivory,” a song promoting racial harmony.

Wonder’s versatility as a musician is evident in his ability to play multiple instruments, including keyboards, harmonica, drums, and the harpejji. His harmonica solos, in particular, have become iconic, featured in songs like “For Once in My Life” and “If You Really Love Me.” His voice, rich and emotive, has the power to convey joy, sorrow, love, and protest with equal conviction.

Throughout his career, Wonder has received numerous accolades. He has won 25 Grammy Awards, including a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award. He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1989 and received the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2014. His discography includes over 30 top ten hits and more than 100 million records sold worldwide.

Wonder’s personal life has also been marked by resilience and dedication. He has been married three times and is the father of nine children. Despite health challenges, including a kidney transplant in 2020, he has continued to perform and inspire audiences around the globe.

In recent years, Wonder has remained active in music and philanthropy. He launched his own label, So What the Fuss Records, and continues to advocate for social causes. His legacy is not just in the songs he has written and performed, but in the lives he has touched and the barriers he has broken.

From “Signed, Sealed, Delivered I’m Yours” to “Don’t You Worry ’Bout a Thing,” from “As” to “Knocks Me Off My Feet,” Stevie Wonder’s music is a testament to the power of creativity, perseverance, and soul. His ability to blend genres, innovate with technology, and address profound themes has made him a beacon in the world of music. Whether through the jubilant rhythms of “Do I Do” or the introspective beauty of “Lately,” Wonder’s work continues to resonate with listeners of all ages.

Stevie Wonder is more than a musician; he is a cultural icon whose contributions have shaped the soundscape of modern music. His journey from a blind child prodigy to a global superstar is a story of triumph, talent, and timeless artistry. As long as people continue to sing “Superwoman (Where Were You When I Needed You)” or dance to “Master Blaster (Jammin’),” his legacy will endure, reminding us all of the wonder that is Stevie.
 
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
                     
 
                   
Euro 200 Performer charts Archives overview Frontpage All charts