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John Legend

Singer and activist John Legend narrates the short film documentary HOME/FREE.

Singer and activist John Legend narrates the short film documentary HOME/FREE. Eric Williams hide caption

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Eric Williams

Culture

John Legend knows the obstacles of life after prison. He wants you to know them too

When incarcerated people leave prison, are they actually free? NPR's Michel Martin talks to singer/songwriter John Legend about a new documentary he narrates.

John Legend knows the obstacles of life after prison. He wants you to know them too

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The key to EGOT-ing with John Legend
Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for The Recording Academy

It's Been a Minute

The key to EGOT-ing with John Legend

John Legend has permeated the culture for over two decades. His music has racked up billions of plays and he and his wife regularly make headlines when they bring us into some of their happiest and most vulnerable moments as a family. Today, we're looking back on his rise to fame, his most creative project, and what keeps him coming back to the ivory keys. Brittany also brings on the fun with an EGOT game of trivia.

The key to EGOT-ing with John Legend

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John Legend wants to transform the criminal justice system, one DA at a time

John Legend poses backstage during the LDF 34th National Equal Justice Awards Dinner on May 10, 2022 in New York City. Arturo Holmes/Getty Images for Legal Defense Fund hide caption

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Arturo Holmes/Getty Images for Legal Defense Fund

Politics

John Legend wants to transform the criminal justice system, one DA at a time

Musician John Legend is using his national platform to elevate local races for district attorney — endorsing progressive prosecutors who prioritize preventative solutions over incarceration.

John Legend wants to transform the criminal justice system, one DA at a time

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The All Songs Considered Holiday Cruise
© Nick Gunderson/Corbis/VCG/Getty Images

All Songs Considered

The All Songs Considered Holiday Cruise

In 2018, Steve Martin, John Legend, William Shatner and more joined Bob Boilen and Robin Hilton for All Songs Considered's annual holiday extravaganza, which unfolded like a bad high school play.

Listen to our Holiday cruise adventure

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New Music Friday: The Top 7 Albums Out On June 19

Phoebe Bridgers. Her sophomore full-length, Punisher, is on our shortlist of the week's best new albums. Frank Ockenfels hide caption

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Frank Ockenfels

All Songs Considered

New Music Friday: The Top 7 Albums Out On June 19

Our shortlist of the week's best new albums includes a celebration of love from John Legend, a stunning release from Phoebe Bridgers, a long-lost Neil Young record, the Malian singer Oumou Sangaré and more.

use this one

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'Baby, It's Cold Outside' Gets Rewritten By John Legend And Kelly Clarkson

John Legend and Kelly Clarkson, onstage during the 2018 Billboard Music Awards at MGM Grand Garden Arena on May 20, 2018 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Ethan Miller/Getty Images hide caption

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Ethan Miller/Getty Images

Opinion

Music News

'Baby, It's Cold Outside' Gets Rewritten By John Legend And Kelly Clarkson

John Legend and Kelly Clarkson have recorded a consent-minded update to the 1949 holiday standard, sparking a new debate that's sure to drain the last vestiges of joy from the season.

John Legend On The Music Industry, His Career, Politics And Balancing It All
Courtesy of John Legend

It's Been a Minute

John Legend On The Music Industry, His Career, Politics And Balancing It All

John Legend seems to be one of the busiest people in the entertainment business. Apart from making music, in the past few years he has been all over TV, starring in NBC's live 'Jesus Christ Superstar' broadcast and producing multiple shows, including a new hip-hop competition show for Netflix. On top of it all, Legend remains engaged in political conversations and philanthropic causes. He sat down with Sam Sanders to talk about balancing it all and where his career has taken him. This episode includes language some listeners may find offensive.

John Legend On The Music Industry, His Career, Politics And Balancing It All

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The All Songs Considered Holiday Cruise 2018
© Nick Gunderson/Corbis/VCG/Getty Images

Music

The All Songs Considered Holiday Cruise 2018

Steve Martin, John Legend, William Shatner, Lucius and more join hosts Bob Boilen and Robin Hilton for this year's All Songs Considered holiday extravaganza, which unfolds like a bad high school play.

The All Songs Considered Holiday Cruise 2018

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'Jesus Christ Superstar' Brings Strong Voices To A Familiar Story

Brandon Victor Dixon as Judas in NBC's live performance of Jesus Christ Superstar. Peter Kramer/NBC hide caption

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Peter Kramer/NBC

Pop Culture Happy Hour

'Jesus Christ Superstar' Brings Strong Voices To A Familiar Story

NBC put on a "live concert" performance of Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice's Jesus Christ Superstar Sunday night, which soared on the voices of John Legend and Broadway's Brandon Victor Dixon.

'Jesus Christ Superstar' Brings Strong Voices To A Familiar Story

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John Legend Pulls From Familiar Roots To Play Jesus In 'Jesus Christ Superstar Live'

John Legend sits before actors playing the 12 disciples in Jesus Christ Superstar Live. Virginia Sherwood/NBC hide caption

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Virginia Sherwood/NBC

Music Interviews

John Legend Pulls From Familiar Roots To Play Jesus In 'Jesus Christ Superstar Live'

NBC's latest one-night musical event revives the 1970s rock opera Jesus Christ Superstar, starring John Legend in its daunting lead role.

John Legend Pulls From Familiar Roots To Play Jesus In 'Jesus Christ Superstar Live'

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John Legend On Talking Politics In Public, Even When It's Hard

John Legend's latest album is Darkness and Light, released in December 2016. Courtesy of the artist hide caption

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Courtesy of the artist

Music Interviews

John Legend On Talking Politics In Public, Even When It's Hard

"If America doesn't want to consume the art of people who are liberal-minded, there's not gonna be a lot of art for them to consume," the singer tells NPR's David Greene.

John Legend On Talking Politics In Public, Even When It's Hard

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Just The Hits: A Top 10 Of Top 40 For 2014

Tinashe, whose hit "2 On" was produced by DJ Mustard, performs on stage in December. Emmerson/Corbis hide caption

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Emmerson/Corbis

The Record

Just The Hits: A Top 10 Of Top 40 For 2014

Dig below the strata of pop songs so ubiquitous you can't stand to hear them anymore, and you'll find plenty of riches in the Top 40, from country crossover to innovative R&B and classic pop.

Just The Hits: A Top 10 Of Top 40 For 2014

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Song Premiere: Barbra Streisand And John Legend Together

Barbra Streisand during a recording session in Burbank, Calif. Jason Merritt/Getty Images hide caption

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Jason Merritt/Getty Images

All Songs Considered

Song Premiere: Barbra Streisand And John Legend Together

"There really are no words to explain the kind of emotion you feel when you realize you're capturing that kind of lightning in a bottle," says producer Kenneth "Babyface" Edmonds.

Listen to Barbra Streisand sing with John Legend

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At The Tiny Desk Or A Sold-Out Arena, John Legend Delivers

John Legend's latest album, Love in the Future, is out now. Legend also appears on the soundtrack album for the film 12 Years a Slave. Courtesy of the artist hide caption

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Courtesy of the artist

Music Interviews

At The Tiny Desk Or A Sold-Out Arena, John Legend Delivers

The Grammy-winning singer-songwriter recently performed his very first Tiny Desk Concert. In a conversation with host Rachel Martin, he discusses how the experience reminded him of his days as an up-and-coming artist.

At The Tiny Desk Or A Sold-Out Arena, John Legend Delivers

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John Legend: Tiny Desk Concert

John Legend performs at the Tiny Desk Concert on Wednesday, October 23, 2013. Abbey Oldham/Abbey Oldham/NPR hide caption

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Abbey Oldham/Abbey Oldham/NPR

Tiny Desk

John Legend: Tiny Desk Concert

The soul singer retains the easygoing grace of a performer fit for any stage — even a tiny one. Here, Legend performs two songs from his album Love in the Future, as well as "Move," one of his contributions to the 12 Years a Slave soundtrack.

John Legend: Tiny Desk Concert

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