Erik Ritland
Table of Contents
World-famous singer John Legend has been a household name for decades. This all-around performer has the voice of a “legend” with his unique fusion of soul and R&B music.
Are you ready to get to know him better? In this article, discover 15 fascinating facts about John Legend that will make you adore him even more.
1. The “Legend” in His Name is a Nickname
John Legend revealed that his stage name is something he would never have chosen for himself originally. It was a nickname given by his friends. John Legend’s real name is John Roger Stephens.
2. John Legend is an Intellectual Whiz
The “Beauty and the Beast” singer skipped two grades, commencing secondary education at 12. He had scholarship grants from Harvard and Georgetown University and attained magna cum laude from the University of Pennsylvania in 1999.
3. He is a Certified Bookworm
John Legend’s favorite activity to pass the time is reading nonfiction books, primarily memoirs of essential people in history. His top pick is Let the Trumpet Sound, the 1982 biography of Martin Luther King Jr. by Steven B. Oates.
4. John Legend Started as a Wedding Song Performer
We all start from somewhere, and it varies from one person to another. For John Legend, a wedding gig kick-started his singing career.
Related: Best Wedding Songs
5. It Was His Granny Who Inspired Him to Make Music
His grandmother taught him about various music styles at an early age. Due to her influence, the “On Time” singer began taking piano lessons at a young age and was already singing in the church choir by six.
6. He Was Prom King at His High School
We already know how incredibly bright John Legend was in college, but he was also a force to be reckoned with in high school. He was a student body president and a senior prom king.
7. He Was Once a Business Consultant
On top of being a versatile performer and an academic standout, John has also explored the corporate world. In his interview with CNBC, he said his past career as a consultant shaped him as a musician today.
8. Kanye West Helped Him Get Signed
John Legend’s college roommate was cousins with Kanye West, which led to the two superstars becoming friends for years. Ultimately, this unlikely collaboration led to John Legend’s first major record contract.
9. John Legend Is the First Young Black Person To Achieve an EGOT
The suave singer is a member of the exclusive EGOT club, having won Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony awards. Before achieving that feat, John Legend acquired an impressive 10 Grammy awards.
10. He Met His Wife, Chrissy Teigen, on Set
Chrissy Teigen played John Legend’s love interest on the set of the video for his hit “Stereo” in 2007. The on-screen pair instantly hit it off. After the shoot, the two went to John’s hotel, had dinner, and began their relationship (so to speak).
11. The Legend Household is Home to Interesting Creatures
John Legend and Chrissy Teigen are both animal lovers. They are the fur parents of four dogs named Petey, Penny, Pearl, and Pebbles. They also have two birds and one hamster.
12. He Enjoys Rotisserie Chicken Before Going on Stage
Here’s a fun culinary John Legend fact: he keeps his pre-show meals simple, juicy, and flavorful. The “Tonight” singer revealed on a Twitter Q&A in 2014 that his regular pre-show feast consists of steamed vegetables and roasted chicken.
13. He Loves Being a Father
Clearly, John Legend enjoys being a dad. If you check his Instagram profile, you’ll see his constant posts about his kids. He and Teagen are natural-born parents.
14. He is a Patron of Numerous Charities
The “Minefields” singer won an essay competition about social issues at age 15 and has advocated for societal change ever since. To this day, John Legend is an active sponsor of 51 charities and 27 causes.
15. John Legend was on Sesame Street
John Legend made his first guest appearance in Season 37. He also performed “It Feels Good When You Sing a Song with Hoots the Owl” on Episode 4019.
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