John Legend’s name says it all: Legend. John Legend is the first black man to have won an Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony.
Legend, or John Roger Stephans, is a grammy-award winning musician and entrepreneur marked by his incredible singer-songwriter skills and professional collaborations.
Born in Springfield, Ohio, as one of four children to two musical parents. Legend was homeschooled by his mother until he attended highschool at just 12 years old. Legend graduated from University of Pennsylvania, turning down offers to Harvard and scholarships to Georgetown University and Morehouse College. While Legend was still in college, he was introduced to Lauren Hill, and Hill quickly recruited Legend to play piano for her hit “Everything is Everything”.
In 2004, Legends career took off with the release of his debut album “Get Lifted”. He took home three Grammy Awards for best R&B album, best R&B male vocal performance and best new artist.
His career continues to blossom into new territories: he was a coach on the Voice, starred in NBC’s production of Jessus Christ Superstar, producing several shows, and he played a supporting role in the hit comedy Soul Men alongside Samuel L. Jackson.
John Legend is still making history, and we look forward to seeing what other amazing Black Moments will be added to this list!
John Legend Black Moments:
- The first black man to have won an Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony.
- 2015 Academy Award
- 2019 Emmy for Outstanding Interactive Media for a Daytime Program
- 2018 Emmy for Outstanding Variety Special (Live) (as producer)
- 2015 Golden Globe Award
- 10 Grammy Awards
- 2017 Tony Award for Jitney
RELATED BLACK MOMENT: Tyler Perry