John Legend (born December 28, 1978) is an American singer, songwriter, and actor. He began his career playing piano for artists like Lauryn Hill and was the first artist signed to Kanye West’s GOOD Music, releasing his debut album, Get Lifted (2004), featuring the hit “Ordinary People.”
Legend has won 12 Grammy Awards and achieved further success with singles like “All of Me.” He also won an Academy Award for “Glory,” co-produced Jitney, and starred in NBC’s Jesus Christ Superstar. Since 2019, he has served as a vocal coach on The Voice.
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Table of Contents
John Legend Net Worth
John Legend has a net worth of $100 million. In January 2016, he and Chrissy Teigen purchased a mansion in Beverly Hills for $14.1 million, previously owned by Rihanna.
After buying the house for $6.9 million in 2009, Rihanna discovered significant structural issues, including flooding during mild rain, and sold it in 2012 for $5.2 million. Legend and Teigen listed the home for sale in 2021 at $22 million and eventually sold it for $16.8 million a few months later.
Early life
John Legend, born John Roger Stephens on December 28, 1978, in Springfield, Ohio, is the eldest of four children of Phyllis Elaine and Ronald Lamar Stephens. He began playing piano at age 4 and performed with his church choir at 7.
Legend was homeschooled and graduated salutatorian from North High School. At 16, he enrolled at the University of Pennsylvania, where he led the co-ed a cappella group, the Counterparts, and graduated magna cum laude in 1999 with a degree in English, focusing on African-American literature.
Career
After college, John Legend worked as a management consultant while writing and recording music. He released a self-titled demo in 2000 and “Live at Jimmy’s Uptown” in 2001, selling it at his performances.
Legend sent his demo to record labels and was introduced to Kanye West, who hired him to sing hooks and signed him to his label. The stage name “Legend” came from poet J Ivy, who suggested his music had an old-school sound. Legend embraced the name, which West also began to use.
Personal life
John Legend met model Chrissy Teigen in 2006 when she starred in his music video “Stereo.” They became engaged in December 2011 and married on September 14, 2013, in Italy. The couple has three children: a daughter born in April 2016, a son in May 2018, and another daughter in January 2023, all via in vitro fertilization.
In June 2023, they welcomed a son through surrogacy. Legend was named People‘s Sexiest Man Alive in 2019 and acknowledged past infidelities on Dax Shepherd’s podcast, stating his relationship with Teigen changed his behavior.
Does John Legend own his masters?
John Legend sold his publishing catalog and royalty rights to BMG and the investment firm KKR, a decision that underscores his financial astuteness and an understanding of the music industry’s evolving landscape.
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Conclusion
John Legend’s journey from a child prodigy to a celebrated artist and shrewd businessman underscores a remarkable harmony of talent and financial intelligence. His ability to excel across various facets of the entertainment industry while building a substantial net worth alongside his wife, Chrissy Teigen, is truly inspirational.
FAQs about John Legend’s Net Worth
- How has John Legend accumulated his wealth?
Through his successful music career, television roles, endorsements, and savvy business decisions, including strategic sales of his music rights. - What are some of John Legend’s most successful albums?
“Get Lifted,” “Once Again,” and “Darkness and Light” are among his most acclaimed works. - Has John Legend ventured outside of music?
Yes, he’s also known for his roles in television, film, and as a producer. - What kind of business ventures has Legend invested in?
Apart from music, Legend has invested in various sectors, including film production and real estate. - What is the significance of John Legend’s stage name?
It was suggested by poet J. Ivy, inspired by Legend’s “old-school sound,” symbolizing his timelessness and iconic status in the music industry.
