John Legend Quotes

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John Legend

Profession : Musician

Birth : December 28, 1978

I was around a lot of gospel as a kid.

John Legend

I don't think it's an artist's responsibility to be political all the time. I think your first responsibility as an artist is to make music that people will listen to and enjoy. However, I think that when you are able to say something that is moving and put it in a great song, then that is even better.

John Legend

There are autobiographical elements to the albums, and when I write, I always reference my own life as well as other things, so I'm just like any novelist or any fiction writer who tells stories.

John Legend

People like Dick Gregory, Paul Robeson, Harry Belafonte and Nina Simone show me what the definition of an artist is - it isn't just to make art but to speak truth to what's happening, speak beauty into the world, speak love into the world and also... get involved.

John Legend

Artists are, I think in general, compassionate people, and part of what makes us artists is that we're open-minded people, and I think we're almost, by definition, progressive in a lot of ways.

John Legend

In America we have big issues with education - in impoverished communities especially. I work with Teach For All, and so we're encouraging more people to get into teaching.

John Legend

In New York especially, I always want to wear a nice overcoat to get through the winter: you can wear them so many times, and they make every outfit better.

John Legend

Shoes are important, of course. I love my Lanvin sneakers - they go with a lot of things. And then I think a nice bag is great, so you carry your computer or whatever else in style. I've been carrying a Tom Ford backpack lately.

John Legend

I like things that feel like they're timeless and really well made and tailored... things that make me feel confident when I leave the house.

John Legend

I feel like fashion is making steps toward diversity, but I think they could do more.

John Legend

I don't have a real recipe with measurements for my chicken stew. I just kind of make it up as I go. I made it for the first time one Christmas when I came home from college. It's guaranteed to cure a cold.

John Legend

My fried chicken is very simple. I pan-fry it in a skillet.

John Legend

As a kid, I wanted to be a musician but also aspired to be Andy Griffith's lawyer character, Ben Matlock.

John Legend

I was a wedding singer as a teenager.

John Legend

I was homeschooled for several years.

John Legend

Before every show, I eat half a rotisserie chicken.

John Legend