John Legend
R&B, Soul • Springfield, United States
John Legend
John Roger Stephens (born December 28, 1978), known professionally as John Legend, is an American singer, songwriter, pianist, and record producer who has become one of contemporary music's most celebrated artists. Born in Springfield, Ohio, Legend began his musical career playing piano and writing behind the scenes for major artists including Lauryn Hill, Jay-Z, and Alicia Keys before launching his solo career.
In 2004, Legend released his debut album Get Lifted through Kanye West's GOOD Music label, establishing himself as a distinctive voice in R&B and soul music. The album's lead single "Ordinary People" became a breakthrough hit, and at the 2006 Grammy Awards, Legend won three awards including Best New Artist and Best Male R&B Vocal Performance, while Get Lifted won Best R&B Album. His subsequent albums Once Again (2006) and Evolver (2008) solidified his reputation for sophisticated production and emotionally resonant songwriting that blended R&B, soul, and pop influences.
Legend achieved his greatest commercial success with the 2013 album Love in the Future and its ballad "All of Me," which topped the Billboard Hot 100 and became one of the best-selling digital singles of all time. In 2015, he won both the Academy Award and Golden Globe for Best Original Song for "Glory," recorded with Common for the film Selma, marking his emergence as a multi-media artist. Subsequent albums including Darkness and Light (2016) and Bigger Love (2020)—which won the Grammy Award for Best R&B Album—demonstrated his continued evolution as an artist.
Beyond music, Legend has expanded into acting and television, winning a Tony Award as co-producer of the stage play Jitney and earning recognition for his role in NBC's Jesus Christ Superstar. In 2018, he became the first Black male and second-youngest recipient of all four major American entertainment awards (Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony). Legend has served as a coach on NBC's The Voice since 2019, becoming the show's senior coach in 2023. Throughout his career, he has won 12 Grammy Awards and established himself as a leading voice in contemporary R&B and soul music, known for his refined musicianship, artistic versatility, and commitment to social justice.
Quotes
“I heard your music and it reminds me of that music from the old school. You sound like one of the legends. As a matter of fact, that's what I'm going to call you from now on! I'm going to call you John Legend.”
“I think people sometimes come to expect certain things from certain artists. They expect you to kind of stay in the same place you were at when you started out. Whereas I feel I want my career to be defined by the fact that I'm NOT gonna stay in the same place, and that I'm always gonna try new things and experiment.”
“I never heard of his song until he sued me. I would never steal anyone's song. We will fight it in court and we will prevail.”
“To everyone telling me how courageous I am for appearing in the doc, it didn't feel risky at all. I believe these women and don't give a fuck about protecting a serial child rapist. Easy decision.”
“All men should be feminists. If men care about women's rights the world will be a better place.”
Career Timeline
Bigger Love Album
Seventh album released, won Grammy Award for Best R&B Album
The Voice Coach
Became vocal coach for The Voice starting with sixteenth season
EGOT Achievement
Became first Black male and second youngest recipient of Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony awards
Jesus Christ Superstar
Portrayed titular character in NBC's live concert production of rock opera Jesus Christ Superstar
Glory Academy Award
Won Academy Award for Best Original Song and Golden Globe for 'Glory' with Common for film Selma
All of Me Release
Third single from Love in the Future became international chart success, peaked at number one on Billboard Hot 100
Grammy Awards
Won three Grammy Awards including Best New Artist, Best R&B Album, and Best Male R&B Vocal Performance at 48th Annual Grammy Awards
Get Lifted Album Release
Debut studio album released through GOOD Music, debuted at number seven on Billboard 200, sold 116,000 copies first week
