Many Michiganders will be surprised to learn that one of the greatest best-selling musical artists in the world was born in the Great Lake State. The hometown of musical prodigy Stevie Wonder is Saginaw, Michigan, and it’s a town worth exploring.

The 25-time Grammy Award recipient had a humble beginning in Saginaw, located in mid-Michigan.
Winston Vargas/Flickr
Stevland Hardaway Judkins was born in a hospital three miles south of town on May 13, 1950. He was born six weeks premature with retinopathy, which caused his blindness.
Wonder lived in Saginaw until age four when his family moved to Detroit.
Stevie Wonder Saginaw Michigan
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He joined a church choir where his musical talent was first recognized. He taught himself how to play the piano, drums, and harmonica by age 10, and at 11 years old, he signed his first record deal. At age 13, he became the youngest solo star in history to reach the number-one spot on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. He would go on to win 25 Grammy Awards and an Oscar for best original song, and he was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
Today, you can find the Stevie Wonder Landmark in Saginaw, a rock with a plaque dedicated to Wonder at the former location of The Big House, which was a place Wonder frequented.
Tanya Benner/Google

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The urban town of Saginaw was once the lumber capital of the world and is now a place that celebrates the arts.
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Walking down the streets of downtown, you’ll find painted murals and eclectic shops and restaurants.
Marshall M. Fredericks Sculpture Museum is a completely free activity the whole family will enjoy.
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The museum highlights the 70-year career of the Detroit-based sculptor with impressive portraits, fountains, monuments, and figurative sculptures.
Take the kids on a fun and educational adventure at the Saginaw Children’s Zoo at Celebration Square to view adorable animals and ride the train.
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Whether you’re visiting the area to walk around Stevie Wonder’s hometown or connect with your artistic side, Saginaw has something for everyone.
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Have you visited the town of Saginaw, Michigan? Are you a Stevie Wonder fan? Let us know in the comments! If you want to connect further with Michigan’s Motown roots, visit Detroit’s Motown Museum.

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