“My first album, 'Get Lifted,' was a hip-hop soul album that had some of its roots in the church, as far as the sonic choices, in the way that I sing and write songs. I have always had that as part of my background and part of my influence when I am making music.”

American singer, songwriter, pianist and record producer

John Legend, born John Roger Stephens, is an American singer, songwriter, pianist and record producer. He began his career working behind the scenes for other artists and became widely known in the 2000s. He has 118 quotes on the site. He first drew attention by playing piano on Lauryn Hill’s “Everything Is Everything” and by singing uncredited backing vocals on Jay-Z’s “Encore” and Alicia Keys’ “You Don’t Know My Name”. He was the first artist signed to Kanye West’s GOOD Music, and on that label he released his debut album, Get Lifted, in 2004. The album was led by “Ordinary People” and reached the top ten of the Billboard 200, earning double platinum certification.