Oh what a day it would be to hear the talented, super-seductive vocals of R&B crooner John Legend sing a song unto the Lord.
Of course, it isn't such a big deal since the Springfield, Ohio native comes from a religious background - growing up in church singing gospel and playing piano at the tender age of six. The session piano player, who later picked up work with Lauryn Hill, Kanye West and Alicia Keys, gained an extreme amount of popularity moving to Philly for college life. Now John Stephens, or Legend in the pop world, has an incredible resume filled with three GRAMMYs and top ten records and a list of hit singles. It is his interesting combinations of soul and R&B music that places Legend into the same arena of classics such as Donny Hathaway, Teddy Pendergrass and Al Green. And we thought for a second R&B died when Luther Vandross left us...
Anyone that knows Legend's background good enough will even pull out the strengths of such a talented family. Danielle Stephens, Legend's sister, is a longtime member of Israel Houghton's New Breed. Kashaan Stephens, now located in Cincinnati, is also preparing to release his upcoming debut project on the world. The Stephens family even gathered together to sing with the R&B hero on his "Get Lifted" album.
News finally leaked out that Legend will be returning to his gospel roots during an upcoming appearance at BET's live taping of their Celebration of Gospel festivities. The program will feature gospel legends including Kirk Franklin, Shirley Caesar, Yolanda Adams and R&B super-diva Patti LaBelle. The event will once again be graced with the comedic talent of Steve Harvey. Things take place on December 15, 2007, 6 p.m., at the majestic Orpheum Theatre. What a show that's going to be.
Of course, if I had known about this anytime sooner, I would have been booked my tickets for this show. Especially to hear what song Legend has picked to sing for such an event in gospel's history. Would it be Donny Hathaway's gospel offering "We Need You Right Now" or Curtis Mayfield's "People Get Ready"? Gosh, so many songs to think of...
By the way, we are not encouraging Legend to switch over to gospel. He's doing a terrific job in R&B - and we really wish more people would get on board to give birth to more great music as his. But Legend, singing a gospel song or two or even doing one album in his lifetime for the gospel, would just be "legendary."
Now if those Legend haters would stop with those senseless jokes on YouTube of Legend's grindin' segments on stage...of him being "lifted" in other ways. In the words of Legend: "Save room for my love."
John Legend (Official Website)
1 comment:
Danielle Stephens is his cousin!
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