John Legend, born John Roger Stephens on 28 December 1978 in Springfield, Ohio, is an American pop, R&B and soul singer, pianist, songwriter, actor and Oscar winner. He belongs to the small circle of people who have won all four major awards in the American entertainment industry (EGOT) in a regular competition category.
Legend grew up in a very musical family and joined the local church gospel choir at a very early age. A scholarship gave him the opportunity to study English at the University of Pennsylvania. It was here that he made his first contacts with local musicians such as Jaheim and Musiq Soulchild. The most significant acquaintance was with Kanye West, an up-and-coming producer who worked for artists such as Jay-Z and Alicia Keys and later became a well-known rapper.
Without a label, he produced his first album, which sold well exclusively in the United States. Kanye West, who had since founded his own label, GOOD Music, signed Legend. The album „Get Lifted“ was released in 2004.
Legend has delivered several hits throughout his career, including “All of Me,” which has garnered over a billion views on YouTube. He has also appeared in films and television series, including the film musical “La La Land” and the drama series „Royal Pains.“.
In 2018, he won a Tony Award, making him one of the few people to have received at least one Emmy, Oscar, Grammy and Tony. Legend is also known for his philanthropic efforts and is actively involved in educational reform and social justice.
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