Real Story Behind The Way Stevie Wonder Lost His Sight

More than 100 million records. Ten U.S. number-one singles. An astonishing 25 Grammys. Stevie Wonder has more than earned his icon status. Over the years, he has forged a path to greatness that has made him an inspiration — especially to others who are blind or visually impaired. But many fans aren't aware of how Wonder actually lost his sight, and it came down to a truly tragic mistake.

Born with sight

It's true, Wonder wasn’t born blind. Though he'd lost his sight by the time the world knew of his musical genius. And once he started making music, his talent proved undeniable. In the ’70s, for instance, Wonder won the Album of the Year Grammy on three occasions.

His talents revealed

Oh, and then there’s the small fact that Wonder can play virtually every instrument under the sun. Before he was even ten years old, he could wow his family on the piano, the harmonica, and the drums. As he grew older, he also learned the synthesizer, the bass guitar, the clavinet, and the bongos, among others.

Making a difference

Then there’s Wonder’s activism. Ever thought about how Martin Luther King Jr. Day came into being? Well, the musician helped kickstart the campaign to commemorate the civil rights icon with a national holiday. And he’s been rewarded for his efforts. In 2009 the United Nations made Wonder a Messenger of Peace, and in 2014 he was bestowed the Presidential Medal of Freedom by Barack Obama.

The best album ever made

But, of course, Wonder’s best known for his incredible music. And if you think that sounds like hyperbole, then listen to Elton John. The English rock icon once wrote for Rolling Stone, “Let me put it this way: wherever I go in the world, I always take a copy of Songs in the Key of Life. For me, it’s the best album ever made, and I’m always left in awe after I listen to it.” That’s exceptionally high praise.