Stevie Wonder Receives Well Wishes from Friends and Fellow Celebrities on His 71st Birthday

Iconic musician Stevie Wonder's 71st birthday on Thursday, May 13, was celebrated with loving Instagram tributes from his fellow celebrities, including Jennifer Hudson, Viola Davis, and Janet Jackson.

Stevie Wonder is undoubtedly one of the most recognizable musicians in the world. The 25-time Grammy Award-winner has been in the music industry since the early sixties, and his influence is felt through many generations.

Born Stevland Hardaway Judkins on May 13, 1950, Wonder recently turned 71 years. His birthday was celebrated by many people worldwide, including fellow celebrities who have been touched by his music and story.

Various stars across different disciplines expressed their birthday wishes with sweet Instagram tributes that reflected their respect for the musical icon. Fellow singer Jennifer Hudson said:

"Happy birthday to the one and only legend, icon and world treasure. We love u dearly."

The "American Idol" alum's post was accompanied by a sweet video montage of Wonder singing to her before shifting to the moment she covered his song, "All In Love Is Fair," during a 2015 tribute show in his honor.

Joining Hudson was "How To Get Away With Murder" star Viola Davis, who commemorated Wonder's birthday with reference to his 1976 hit song, "Isn't She Lovely," a song inspired by his eldest daughter, Aisha Morris.

Claudette Robinson, the wife of Smokey Robinson, also wished the crooner a happy birthday with a collage photo of his album covers. Robinson and Wonder were both signed to Motown Records.

Jo'Rel Quinn and Janet Jackson took to Instagram to share throwback photos of their moments with Wonder while "Brown Sugar" actress Nicole Ari Parker reposted a tribute referring to Wonder as the "last musical genius." The post read:

"He is literally that last person I believe can walk into a studio BY HIMSELF sing everything and play everything and walk out with a classic."

Wonder is no ordinary musician, and his road to superstardom was unlike any other. Born prematurely, he suffered from an eye disorder that quickly led to blindness. Still, that did not stop him from using his musical gifts.

The "Superstitious" hitmaker excelled in music and learned a wide range of musical instruments, signing his first record deal at 11 years old. He went on to win numerous awards and was inducted into the Apollo Legends Hall of Fame in 2011.

While Wonder charmed audiences with his music, collecting one trophy after the other, his personal life was also filled with abundance. The "Part-Time Lover" crooner fathered nine children with five women.

Although Wonder has always kept up-to-date with current affairs, fatherhood also awoke his protective side. Earlier this year, he revealed his plans to relocate to Ghana to protect his grandchildren from racism amid growing racial injustices in the US.