Stevie Wonder: Without Sight, Not Without Business Foresight

Victor Adetimilehin -

Stevie Wonder, a symbol of musical genius, emerged from Saginaw, Michigan, into a world he could never see but profoundly impacted and influenced. An embodiment of amazing talent, Little Stevie Wonder’s (as he was known back then) journey from being a child prodigy to becoming a titan of the 20th-century music began when he was signed into Motown’s legendary group under the guidance of Berry Gordy, Jr. and became the youngest solo artist ever to top the Billboard Hot 100 Chart at age 13. Although successful, his initial musical projects barely scratched the surface of his depth and capabilities, as he soon showcased his mastery over a range of instruments, solidifying his status as more than just a precocious talent. By the mid-1960s, Wonder had evolved, shedding the “Little” prefix and contributing to the Motown songwriting legacy with tracks like “Uptight (Everything’s Alright)” and “The Tears of a Clown.”.

The 1970s witnessed Wonder at the top of his creativity, with albums like “Talking Book,” “Innervisions,” and “Songs in the Key of Life” not only attracting critical acclaim but also reshaping the landscape of American music. These works, richly innovative and with great social commentary, earned Wonder an unrivalled place in the books of music history, bridging genres and generations. His influence, spanning from his creativity with the electronic keyboard to his ability to sing the words in the rhythm of his songs that communicated the jazz greats and the fervent spirituals of his childhood, cemented his legacy as a bridge between the rhythm-and-blues of the past and the boundless possibilities of future music. Beyond his contributions to music, Wonder’s achievements, including inductions and awards from top and recognised institutions, is evidence to his long-lasting impact on both the industry and the American culture.

Can’t see but can talk: Owning a Radio Station

Stevie Wonder owns KJLH (102.3 FM), an urban adult contemporary radio station licensed to Compton, California, serving the Los Angeles area. KJLH is owned by Taxi Productions, a company owned by Stevie Wonder​​.  Stevie Wonder purchased KJLH from John Lamar Hill in 1979 for more than $2 million and created Taxi Productions, for the purposes of purchasing and managing the station away from his other business affairs. This business venture showed Wonder’s versatility and adaptability.

EMI


Stevie wonder holds a substantial interest in EMI, a distinguished music publishing conglomerate owned by parent company Sony Corporation of America.

SO WHAT THE FUSS RECORDS

In October 2020, Stevie Wonder launched his latest venture, So What the Fuss Records, a vanity label launched in collaboration with Republic Records, a division of Universal Music Group, the world’s leading music company. This historical occasion marked the inaugural release of his music outside the traditional confines of his previous affiliations and projects, introducing a new era in his illustrious musical journey.

REAL ESTATE


In December 2021, Stevie purchased a $14 million mansion in Bel Air, California from the late Saudi Prince Mohammed bin Faisal bin Saud Al Saud. The Mediterranean-style property has 20,000 square feet of living space,11 bedrooms, 15 bathrooms, an attached guest house and staff quarters, a gourmet kitchen, theater, a wine cellar that holds 2,550 bottles and a game room. Stevie Wonder’s exploration of real estate and diverse investments marks an extension of his legendary musical impact, highlighting his skillfulness in spreading investments across esteemed locales such as Los Angeles and Hawaii.