What were your initial thoughts and reaction of “Little” Stevie Wonder at age 12-13?

[Oliverlogan263]

Here’s video of a video of a 12 year old Stevie Wonder performing:

And Stevie at 13 performing Fingertips on Ed Sullivan:

Those who were either around in the 60s old enough to witnessed the the early days with Motown or apart of today, imagine putting yourself in the 1960s time period of the general public you come across seeing this young black boy who is blind and can play the bongos, drums, and the harmonica so good at his age. Before he was known as the man we all know as the musical genius and established legend of our time, didn't you think he was special then and could have accomplished a lot in music or not really?

Who would think that this kid would bless us with “songs in the key of life” amazing. Back then, would you think or seen this kid become a legend and come out with the most timeless albums in years to come? Would you have thought that this young 12 year old kid who is blind and talented can play the harmonica like no other and happened to be a musical genius of your time, were you aware at the time or just thought he wasn’t gonna last long or become a novelty?

Updates

3 mo

Do you see someone at age 12-13 can play harmonica or close to talented as Stevie nowadays to probably make it big presently on the surface?

[MsBell2018]

Stevie Wonder is a "once on a lifetime" creator. Definitely ahead of his time. Comparatively to today's music, he's still ahead. Given the Era he was in & what was going on culturally at the time----WOW! There has never been more will be anyone like him. Michael Jackson is close.

[FunkyMonkee]

I wasn't exactly thrilled with him back then. There were only a few Motwon records I liked a lot. I didn't get much into Steve `til the mid `70's.
Back then, there were a number of blind musoes that impressed the hell out of everybody. As for him playing various things, I was singing and playing drums by the time I was out of diapers and eventually started playing bass, keys and tabla and hope to get into Chapman Stick at some point and possibly sitar.

[GoodGuyBreakingBad]

No matter what I love the song Ebony and Ivory, and it shows you that we can live together no matter what race we are, White Males are marrying African American females vise versa African American males are marrying White Women we are living life to the full extent so what people think? We love all people and all race, religions are great, etc.

[GoodGuyBreakingBad]

Thanks for MHO :)

[Nikki1989]

Stevie Wonder did some amazing things when he was younger, but his talent hit rock bottom when he did that awful duet with Paul McCartney.

[Oliverlogan263]

Was it Ebony and Ivory?

[Nikki1989]

Yes, that is the one.

[Joshydavid25]

I would've definitely thought that the kid was going places and probably could've taken the world by storm.. I mean even today you don't see a lot of talented blind musicians, so think of how it was back then..

[Oliverlogan263]

Exactly dude. A blind kid who played the bongos and harmonica and could sing, interesting. You would never thought he would become one of the top pop/r&b songwriter/artists for decades to come. For some people probably back then thought he would be like most child stars, fade out and have problems in their adult life.

[Joshydavid25]

Yeah, he really was a wonder which is why he had such a good career for decades.. Blind or not, you don't find a lot of talent like him today... Or probably even back then.. It's good that he survived so long even though I'm sure his history ain't completely clean let's be honest.. 😂😂..

[Oliverlogan263]

😂😂😂 you can definitely say dat fan sure but don’t get on my boy Stevie now lol he was a unique talent man and no wonder berry gordy the owner of Motown was the one who coined him a “wonder” … you just never think for a kid at 12 or 13 to become a big star to create classics and become a legend in the industry for years, you never too sure to know in the future. I don't think anyone would have guessed what a genius he would turn into. His music writing talents are amazing and puts others with good eyesight to shame!

[Joshydavid25]

Aw naw, I'm just saying being in Hollywood for a long time can corrupt anybody even if for a little bit.. 😂😂..
But true, I think if I saw him in the 60s and he was already on T. V at 12 and 13, I would've thought he was already on his way, and recognized.. I don't know how prevalent the child actor thing was.. I think Hollywood still had a relatively clean image back then..