John Legend leads by example. Behind the boyishly handsome face is a mind bent on leadership. The son of a seamstress and a veteran National Guardsman, Legend was homeschooled as a child and nurtured his musical talent then. As an adult, the nine-time Grammy winner has taken the philosophical layer of classical soul and made it part of his mission.
Last weekend, on his Facebook page, Legend announced he’s heading on tour this fall. The tour kicks off on the east coast, and he’ll be making a stop in DC at DAR Constitution Hall on October 22nd!
Tickets for the show will go on sale this Friday, Aug 17th, at 10 AM through Ticketmaster, but we’ve got your chance to win a pair of tickets before you can even buy them.
The singer-songwriter will promote Love in the Future, his new album in which he serves as executive producer with Kanye West and Dave Tozer, his long time collaborators. On the first leg of the tour, Legend will be accompanied by Stacy Barthe – a veteran singer-songwriter for Brandy, Estelle, and Britney Spears. English folk-soul chanteuse Lianne La Havas will tour with Grammy winner on the second leg.
Earlier this year, Legend came to DC to be part of the “What’s Going On…NOW” initiative designed to target youth, teachers, and mentors within the primary and secondary education sectors. The campaign empowers youth to learn the power of democratic new media and create digital art with a positive message. The question “What’s Going On… NOW?” sets the stage for young people to think critically and creatively when forming the user-generated content for the site. The platform gives youth and their mentors the opportunity to evaluate and add to their submitted work.
A multitude of projects ostensibly keeps Legend on his toes. But at the core of all the neon marquees and red carpets is a young man who is setting this life to the tune of social change and good will. With talent to boot, the name Legend might have been adopted with keen foresight.
John Legend, born John Roger Stephens, led an a capella jazz-pop group called the Counterparts in college. For a chance to win two tickets to the DAR for his live show, tell us your favorite singer who comes from jazz roots in the comments below.
For example, one of my all-time favorites is Femi Kuti, who began as a saxophonist in his father’s band.
The winner will be chosen at noon on Thursday, August 16th.
