In 2001, Devo Springsteen introduced Legend to Kanye West, then an up-and-coming hip-hop artist; Legend was hired to sing during the hooks of West's music. After signing to West's label, he chose his stage name from an idea that was given to him by poet J. Ivy, due to what he perceived as an "old-school sound".

John Legend (born December 28, 1978, Springfield, Ohio, U.S.) is an American singer-songwriter and pianist who achieved success in the early 21st century with his fusion of R&B and soul music.

Grew up playing music on his family's rickety piano and in his church in Springfield, Ohio. Fell in love with music at a young age; loved performing and getting to create something new. The first in his family to go to college, he attended the University of Pennsylvania.