How Did John Legend Get Famous?
John Legend is an American singer-songwriter and pianist. Born in the midwest, he has been singing since the age of seven. His parents divorced when he was ten. He was raised by his mother and grandmother, who stressed the importance of education and music. While at Penn, he studied English and African-American literature. Today, Legend has a thriving career as a singer-songwriter. How Did John Legend Get Famous?
The first musical role that Legend landed was that of Jesus Christ. In his role as Jesus Christ, Legend played the title role. Later, his role in Jesus Christ Superstar garnered him the title of the show. At the age of 15, he won an essay competition sponsored by McDonald’s, focusing on becoming a successful musician. This essay landed him numerous offers and scholarships to Harvard University, Georgetown University, and Morehouse College. However, he ultimately chose to attend the University of Pennsylvania, which he later attended.
After the release of Get Lifted, Legend began working on his own music. After getting a chance to collaborate with a fellow musician, he began recording under his real name. This allowed him to gain a reputation as a talented songwriter and performer. He worked with Kanye West and Alicia Keys, among others. He has also collaborated with Jay-Z and Kanye West.
After gaining recognition as a singer, John Legend performed at the 2006 Grammy Awards. His performance at the Grammys gave him the opportunity to interact with other singers he admired. Paul McCartney interrupted his rehearsal to compliment his song. He met the pianist and alternative-rock singer Fiona Apple, and professed his admiration for her. John Legend was then named one of People magazine’s 50 most eligible bachelors.
With his debut album, Get Lifted, Legend gained recognition in the hip-hop world. The album, released in April 2005, had already gone platinum and was the most highly rated R&B album of all time. It also spawned two hit singles, including “Ordinary People,” a piano-and-voice ballad produced by will.i.am. He went on to win three Grammys, including Best R&B Album and Best New Artist. During the Grammys, Legend also won Best R&B Male Vocal Performance.
Legend’s involvement in various charitable and social causes has landed him a variety of gigs. His involvement with the Harlem Village Academies (HVA), which runs several charter schools in New York City, has earned him the title of “Vice Chairman” and a prominent role in its board. He also lends his voice to the documentary Waiting for Superman, which looks critically at the public school system.
John Legend’s career has been built on multiple albums. His debut album, Evolver, earned him several Grammy nominations. In 2006, he recorded a single, “Green Light,” with Andre 3000. The album hit the Top 40, allowing Legend to earn three Grammys. During this period, Legend has also appeared in the movie Soul Men, which starred Samuel L. Jackson and Bernie Mac.