Universally adored Stevie Wonder was honored by being inducted into the NAACP Hall of Fame at the 39th Annual NAACP Image Awards, held this week at the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles.

The legendary artist, songwriter, musician and producer has been making music and bringing joy to the lives of others for over four decades. He has received 25 Grammy Awards (the most for any solo artist), the Grammy Lifetime Acheivement Award, and was also inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1989.

Stevie Wonder's songs are unequivocally classic and his influence is timeless, but his humanitarian efforts, philanthropic leadership and the generosity of spirit throughout his career is also laudable.

In 1983 Stevie spearheaded the campaign to make Martin Luther King's birthday a national holiday (Hotter Than July's "Happy Birthday" spearheaded the effort). His participation in the 1985 "We Are The World" fund-raiser was a music industry milestone, and his involvement to put an end to apartheid in South Africa was also consistent and legendary.

Stevie Wonder's philanthropic contributions have been recognized with the "Distinguished Services Award" from the President's Committee on Employment of Handicapped People, the "Carousel of Hope" Award from the Children's Diabetes Foundation, and an Honorary "Global Founder's" Award from Mothers Against Drunk Driving.

Stevie Wonder signed with Motown Records in 1961 at the age of 12 and has been with the label ever since. To date, he has amassed an astounding 49 Top 40 singles, 32 #1 singles and worldwide sales of over 100 million units.

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