Stevie Wonder Is a Messenger of Peace

The boy who grew up as "Little Steven Wonder" in Saginaw, Michigan, has something else to write home about now.

The singer-songwriter has earned the distinction of being named the newest Messenger of Peace by the United Nations for his service to others throughout his life. Or, as the Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon said, that Wonder "has consistently used his voice and special relationship with the public to create a better and more inclusive world, to defend civil and human rights and to improve the lives of those less fortunate."

The 59-year-old superstar, who has won a staggering 25 Grammy awards, is the 11th celebrity to gain installment in this particular UN role, keeping good company with the likes of George Clooney, Charlize Theron and Michael Douglas.

Wonder, who became blind shortly after his birth, will focus on helping people with disabilities.

If he's as good at that as he is at writing hits, everyone wins.

Photo courtesy of the UN