John Legend

John Legend (born John Roger Stephens on December 28, 1978) is an American singer, songwriter, pianist, and record producer. He was raised in Springfield, Ohio, where he began singing in the church choir and taking piano lessons from his grandmother. He later attended the University of Pennsylvania, where he directed a co-ed a cappella group. Legend gained early industry recognition by playing piano on Lauryn Hill's "Everything Is Everything" in 1999. He was the first artist to sign with Kanye West's GOOD Music label. His debut studio album, *Get Lifted* (2004), was certified double platinum by the RIAA and featured songs including "Ordinary People" and "So High." He has since released albums such as *Once Again*, *Wake Up!*, and *Legend*. His catalog includes the hit songs "All of Me" and "Hallelujah," a collaboration with Carrie Underwood. Legend is a multiple Grammy Award winner, including Best New Artist in 2006. He is also an EGOT winner, having received an Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony Award, and is recognized as the first Black man to achieve this status.