‘Legendary’ Legend to perform at VCU

He’s been compared to Marvin Gaye, Al Green and Richmond’s own D’Angelo. His debut album “Get Lifted” was called “an engaging journey into the fresh realm of thoughtful soul such artists as Alicia Keys have advanced in recent years” by the Tucson Citizen.

Neo-soul singer and Ohio-native John Legend, born John Stephens, began playing piano at the age of 5 and by 9 years old he was playing for his church choir. By high school he was making gospel albums. “I was ambitious and just loved being onstage,” Legend said on his Web site.

Legend attended the University of Pennsylvania, where he met the man who would ultimately change his life. Legend’s college roommate and collaborator Devon Harris was a cousin of up-and-coming producer Kanye West. He started off singing hooks on West’s 2004 release, “College Dropout,” before beginning to work with other artists. He has worked in many different capacities for artists including Alicia Keys, Twista, Janet Jackson, Talib Kweli and, of course, his mentor West.”Get Lifted” was released Dec. 28 and earned a rating of 4.5 out of a possible 5 stars on www.cdnow.com. Guest stars on the album include Snoop Dogg on “I Can Change,” and West on “Number One. Vibe Magazine called it “R&B as it was meant to be – legendary.”