The Unique Artifacts Series: Stevie Wonder Maraca, c. 1990
Throughout his wondrous career, Stevie Wonder has proven again and again that he is a talented multi-instrumentalist. Made of dried gourds, this tribal-esque maraca is just one of the many unique instruments he has mastered. Some others include harmonica, keyboard, clavinet, and various percussion instruments. After his family moved to Detroit, Wonder, who was born blind, found inspiration in the city’s Motown flair. He taught himself how to play multiple instruments before the age of eleven and landed a recording contract with Motown Records by the age of twelve. The very next year, he recorded his first number one hit, “Fingertips”. After a little less than a decade, Wonder renegotiated his contract with Motown, and effectively became one of their first signed artists to have complete creative control over his music. This contract restructuring would plant the seed for what is renowned as “The Greatest Creative Run in the History of Popular Music”.
Though Stevie Wonder has become a worldwide music mogul, his Motor City roots shine through in almost everything he does. The love is reciprocated as well, with the city paying homage to the legendary performer through murals and various awards. His influence and legacy can be heard from the Detroit River all the way to 8 Mile.
Come check it out and more in the Detroit section of our Cities & Sounds Exhibit, located in the Ahmet Ertegun Main Exhibit Hall.
