Famous Ohioans: John Legend

Pick up a copy of this Weekender (Feb. 19-20) newspaper that includes a special section containing profiles of Famous Ohioans. John Legend (born John Roger Stephens) Singer, songwriter and producer Important facts • Legend, a native of Springfield in southwest Ohio, first learned the piano at four and joined his church choir shortly after. Legend graduated high school early, starting at the University of Pennsylvania and graduating magna cum laude with a bachelor's degree in 1999. • Before venturing into his solo career, Legend co-wrote, played and sang with Jay-Z, Alicia Keys, Lauryn Hill, Kanye, and Janet Jackson for various tracks. In 2001, Legend changed his name from his birth name to John Legend. • His debut album released in 2004, titled "Get Lifted," and was produced by Kanye West. His first album earned Legend three Grammy awards. • Legend has released seven solo studio albums, along with a 2010 collaboration with the Roots. His fourth studio album, "Love in the Future," was released in 2013, bringing "All of Me," one of Legends's best-known songs. It was also one of the best-selling digital singles at the time of its release. • In 2018, Legend starred in a live broadcast of "Jesus Christ Superstar" that aired on NBC. • He was the first Black man to have won all four of the major American entertainment awards, an Emmy, Grammy, Oscar and Tony. Legend has won over ten Grammy Awards in his career. • Beyond music, Legend also appeared in 2012's "Django Unchained," 2014's "Selma," and was a producer and actor in 2016's La La Land. He has also been a coach on "The Voice" since 2018. • Legend also has made philanthropy a priority, starting the Show Me Campaign in 2007 to give children access to education. In 2014, Legend partnered with The National Writing Project and started LRNG Innovators to empower teachers and continue developing the education system. VITALS Birthdate: Dec. 28, 1978 Birthplace: Springfield, Ohio Age: 43 City of residence: Los Angeles, California Spouse: Chrissy Teigen Children: Luna Simone Stephens, Miles Theodore Stephens