John Legend

John Stephens (later known as John Legend) began his music career by independently releasing two albums: John Stephens (2000) and Live at Jimmy’s Uptown (2001). In 2001, he was introduced to Kanye West and began contributing as a songwriter and vocalist on multiple projects. He later signed to West’s GOOD Music label and adopted the stage name John Legend.

In 2004, Legend released his debut studio album Get Lifted, which included the singles “Used to Love U” and “Ordinary People.” He followed this with Once Again in 2006, which featured the singles “Save Room” and “Heaven.” During this period, he also collaborated with artists including Janet Jackson, Jay-Z, Mary J. Blige, and the Black Eyed Peas, and appeared on Sesame Street in 2006.
Legend released his third studio album, Evolver, in 2008, which included the single “Green Light” featuring André 3000. That same year, he appeared in the film Soul Men. In 2009, he participated in the documentary The People Speak. He collaborated with The Roots on the album Wake Up!, released in 2010, and contributed to Kanye West’s My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy (2010).
In 2013, Legend released his fourth studio album, Love in the Future, which included the single “All of Me.” In 2014, he co-wrote and performed “Glory” with Common for the film Selma. He also collaborated with artists such as Meghan Trainor, Kelly Clarkson, and David Guetta during this period.
Legend released Darkness and Light in 2016 and collaborated with artists including Chance the Rapper and Miguel. He performed the title track for the 2017 film Beauty and the Beast with Ariana Grande and starred in and executive produced the short film Crow: The Legend (2017–2018). In 2018, he played the title role in NBC’s live production of Jesus Christ Superstar.
In 2019, Legend appeared in the documentary series Surviving R. Kelly and served as a coach on The Voice, winning the competition that year. He released the album Bigger Love in 2020 and collaborated with artists including Alicia Keys and Carrie Underwood. In 2021, he signed with Republic Records.
In 2022, Legend launched the platform OurSong and performed at the 64th Annual Grammy Awards. He released his eighth studio album, Legend, in 2022 and continued his role on The Voice, becoming a senior coach in its 24th season.
Legend released his first children's album and tenth studio album, My Favorite Dream, on August 30, 2024, through John Legend Music Inc. and Republic Records. He embarked on the Get Lifted 20th Anniversary Tour in 2025.
Legend won a Tony Award for co-producing the stage play Jitney in 2017. He also portrayed the titular character in NBC's adaptation of the rock opera Jesus Christ Superstar in 2018.
He is collaborating with Pulitzer Prize winner Lynn Nottage on a new musical, Imitation of Life. It will play off-Broadway at The Shed in Fall 2026.