John Legend, born on December 28, 1978, is a highly successful American singer, songwriter, and pianist. He began his career behind the scenes, contributing to songs by artists like Lauryn Hill and Jay-Z. His big break came when he signed with Kanye West’s GOOD Music and released his debut album, Get Lifted (2004). The album was a hit, reaching the top ten on the Billboard 200 and earning Legend his first Grammy Awards, including Best New Artist. His single “Ordinary People” became a major success and remains one of his signature songs.
Legend’s follow-up albums, Once Again (2006) and Evolver (2008), continued his rise in the music industry. Evolver featured the popular single “Green Light” with André 3000, while Once Again produced hits like “Save Room.” In 2013, Legend’s Love in the Future included the worldwide hit “All of Me,” which became his most successful single, topping the Billboard Hot 100 and earning Diamond certification. His 2016 album Darkness and Light further cemented his place in the industry.
Aside from his music career, Legend has ventured into acting and production. He won an Academy Award and a Golden Globe for his song “Glory” with Common from the movie Selma. He also became the first Black male and second youngest person to achieve the EGOT (Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony), thanks to his role as a producer on the play Jitney and his performance in Jesus Christ Superstar (2018). Additionally, he has served as a coach on the TV show The Voice since 2019.
Over the years, Legend has received 12 Grammy Awards, and his influence in both music and entertainment continues to grow. His music spans across genres, and his contributions to various fields highlight his versatility and impact on modern culture.
