John: Born a Legend

Ten-time Grammy winner John Legend explains in an exclusive Conversation how he got his ‘legendary’ surname and what it has done to his career

To set the record straight, the 10-time Grammy Award winner was born John Roger Stephens (on Dec. 28, 1978) in Springfield, Ohio, one of four children of a seamstress and a factory worker.

So how did he become known as John Legend if he wasn’t born a Legend?

It is said that in 2001, John was introduced to then upcoming hip-hop artist Kanye West who picked a stage name for John. The poet was quoted as having told John, “…your music reminds me of that music from the old school. You sound like one of the legends. As a matter of fact, that’s what I’m going to call you from now on. I’m going to call you John Legend.”

In an exclusive e-mail interview with Conversations, John admitted that he was reluctant to change his stage name until the name did catch on. “The challenge in my career has been to try to live up to that name,” he said.

The Legend lives on. After collaborating with various artists, John released his first solo album which carried the huge hit All Of Me in 2013. He wrote Glory, the 2015 Oscar Best Original Song for the film Selma. He has won 10 Grammys and a Golden Globe; and, last year a Tony Award for co-producing Jitney for the Broadway. With Ariana Grande, he did a duet of the theme song of the movie Beauty & The Beast. He was a good actor in La La Land which created an Oscar stir last year when it was wrongly announced as Best Picture winner (real winner was Moonlight, produced by Brad Pitt).

John’s latest album, Darkness And Light, is a big hit with the chart-busting singles Love Me Now and Penthouse Floor featuring Chance The Rapper which he’s expected to include (along with, yes, All Of Me) in Darkness And Light World Tour, his second concert in Manila, on Wednesday, March 21, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum, produced by Wilbros Live. (For tickets, call TicketNet at 911-5555 or www.ticketnet.com.ph)

John is married to Chrissy Teigen with whom he has two children.

Why did you call your latest album Darkness And Light?

“As I’ve always done, I chose the title for the album after I had written most of the songs and knew what the body of work would be like. The title fits the themes and lyrics of the songs on the album. The album is about finding love and light despite fear, uncertainty and conflict.”

What would you consider the “dark” part of your life and career and the “light” part?

“Some of the darkest parts of my life were during my parents’ divorce when I was 10 and 11 years old. We had recently lost my maternal grandmother and it was a really difficult time for my family. It took us many years to recover from it. 

“I’ve had so many wonderful moments in my life and career. I’m so grateful for all the success I’ve had and I’m especially happy that I have a wonderful family to share it with. Most recently, the birth of our daughter Luna has brought so much light to our lives.”

How is this album different from your previous albums?

“This is the first album I’ve written since I got married and the first album I wrote as a new father. So the lyrics of the album reflect the fact that I’m at a new place in my life. The music was special, too. I worked with an immensely talented producer named Blake Mills who brought in an incredible band to play the songs. I had never worked with this team before. Together, we made a powerful, soulful team.”

John and wife Chrissy Teigen with their daughter Luna

Which of your songs comes close to describing you as a person and as an artist?

“So Gone. It’s a bonus track on Love In the Future. It’s very autobiographical and it describes me and my artistry well.”

When did you realize that you wanted singing as a profession?

“I’ve been dreaming of being here since I was a kid. I’ve loved singing since I was about six years old. I’ve been taking piano lessons since I was four.

Who are your musical influences?

“Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye, Nina Simone, Jeff Buckley, Nat King Cole, Curtis Mayfield and my late grandmother Elmira Lloyd.”

How was your experience doing the movie La La Land?

“I loved being part of such a great film. Director Damien Chazelle is so talented and visionary. It was a joy to be part of his great work.” 

Given the chance, what kind of role, something bigger, would you like to play in a movie?

“I would love to play Marvin Gaye in a biopic.”

How are you as a dad? How has fatherhood affect your music? Do you sing your kid to sleep?

“I love being a dad. I love spending time with my daughter. I love watching her grow up and learn new things every day. It’s so cool to see myself and my wife in her. I’ve already written a song for Luna called Right By You on Darkness And Light. She has inspired me a lot.  I sing to her and with her all the time.” 

You were born already Legend. How do you live up to that “legendary” surname?

“I was born John Stephens.  Legend was a stage name that I assumed after some friends started calling me John Legend as a nickname. The challenge in my career has been to try to live up to that name.”

What kind (specific titles) of songs makes you happy and brings back fond memories? And what kind of songs (specific titles) makes you sad and brings back unpleasant memories?

“Love on Top by Beyoncé reminds me of our wedding reception. We played it like four or five times and everyone had such a good time. Got to Give it Up by Marvin Gaye is my favorite song to start any party. It instantly brightens my mood.

“There aren’t any songs that make me sad really. But I’m always very moved by Ne Me Quitte Pas by Nina Simone.”

You’ve been to the Philippines (in 2014). Any plans of staying a little longer to enjoy more of the country after your concert? What are your fond memories of that 2014 visit?

“I’ll be in Manila for a couple days this time. I’ll be coming from Taiwan and heading to Thailand afterwards. Hopefully, I’ll get a chance to see some friends and have some great food on this trip. And I’m especially excited to see my amazing fans in Manila!”

Your song All Of Me is a favorite piece among Filipino singers. How do you like the idea of singing it with a Filipino singer?

“That would be fun!” 

What can we expect from your concert in Manila on March 21?

“You can expect a fun, energetic show that is full of love and connection. I perform songs from my entire catalog, from Get Lifted to Darkness and Light and everything in between.  I’m excited to perform again in Manila!”

(E-mail reactions at [email protected]. For more updates, photos and videos, visit www.philstar.com/funfare or follow me on Instagram @therealrickylo.)

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