John Roger Stephens, better known by his stage name John Legend, is an American singer, songwriter, pianist, record producer, and actor who was born on December 28, 1978. Working behind the scenes, he contributed piano to Lauryn Hill’s “Everything Is Everything” and made uncredited cameo appearances on Jay-Z’s “Encore” and Alicia Keys’s “You Don’t Know My Name” to start his musical career. His debut album, Get Lifted (2004), entered the top 10 on the Billboard 200 and was certified double platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America. He then signed to Kanye West’s GOOD Music.
At the 48th Annual Grammy Awards, Legend had nine nominations, including those for the singles “So High” with Lauryn Hill and “Ordinary People,” the latter of which won Best Male R&B Vocal Performance. He also won prizes for Best New Artist and Best R&B record for record. Once Again (2006), his second studio album, produced the hit “Save Room,” and it went on to become his second top-ten album on the Billboard 200 list. His third album Evolver (2008)’s first song, “Green Light,” with André 3000, peaked at number 40 on the Billboard Hot 100 and was given a platinum certification by the RIAA. He issued the live CD John Legend: Live from Philadelphia in June 2008.
