Happy birthday to John Legend, born December 28, 1978.
Philly-bred singer, songwriter and pianist John Legend was born John Stephens into a musical family in 1979, the grandson of a minister who spent much of his childhood singing and playing in church. His family moved from Ohio to Pennsylvania when he was a child, and he was playing the piano and singing in the church choir from an early age. The musical influences of his childhood included classic Soul and Gospel singers ranging from Stevie Wonder and Al Green to Shirley Caesar and Edwin Hawkins, as well as more modern acts like Jodeci and Boyz II Men (okay, I’m feeling kind of old when a singer cites Jodeci as a childhood influence). He attended college at Penn and served as musical director at Bethel A.M.E. church for nearly a decade during high school and college.
Legend’s big break came through collaborations with Kanye West, Lauryn Hill, and Alicia Keys, which helped him hone a sound blending classic soul with contemporary R&B. His 2004 debut album, Get Lifted, was a stunning introduction, featuring the Grammy-winning hit “Ordinary People” and the infectious “Used to Love U.” The album established Legend as a torchbearer of modern soul.
Legend’s follow-up albums, Once Again (2006) and Evolver (2008), showcased his versatility, from the jazzy balladry of “Save Room” to the electro-tinged anthem “Green Light.” But it was Love in the Future (2013) that gave him his signature hit, “All of Me,” a heartfelt ballad that became a global phenomenon.
Legend’s career and influence havecontinued to expand since then, with him leaving his imprint on acting, philanthropy, and social activism. He became the first African-American man to achieve EGOT status in 2018, winning an Emmy, multiple Grammys, an Oscar (for the music from Glory), and a Tony (for Jitney). His later albums, including Darkness and Light (2016) and Bigger Love (2020), continue to affirm his place as one of the most consistent and beloved voices in music. And he even created a hit children’s album in 2024 with My Favorite Dream.
Happy Birthday, John Legend!
