In Part 2, John Legend, Grammy-winning singer, songwriter, and social activist, shares insightful stories about his collaborations, including his childhood crush Janet Jackson and musical icons like Stevie Wonder. He reveals the heartfelt origin of his hit "All of Me," written for his now-wife, Chrissy, and his strategic marketing that boosted its success. John reflects on the importance of social justice in his work, inspired by his ancestors, while weighing the independence of his music career against major label deals. Tune in for a mix of music, love, and activism!
John Legend highlights the essential role of collaboration in songwriting, showcasing the network of songwriters and producers behind many hit tracks.
He emphasizes the importance of having a clear direction in songwriting to enhance focus and productivity, contrasting it with spontaneous creative processes.
John discusses the responsibility of artists to use their platforms for social change, inspired by historical figures and current social movements.
Deep dives
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Collaboration in Music Creation
The podcast dives into the collaborative dynamics of songwriting, illustrating how many hit songs come from a network of songwriters and producers who often work behind the scenes. An example includes a song co-written for Janet Jackson, showcasing how collaboration can occur without the main artist present. Many artists rely on professional songwriters for new material, highlighting that a significant amount of music is generated through teamwork rather than isolated efforts. This system allows for a diverse range of songs, with camps often organized to maximize creative output for upcoming albums.
The Creative Process of John Legend
John Legend shares his approach to songwriting, particularly emphasizing the importance of having a clear direction when working with artists. He notes that having a specific goal or assignment often facilitates a more focused and productive writing process. This contrasts with the more spontaneous creative endeavors that can lack structure and ultimately yield less impactful results. He also reflects on personal experiences when crafting songs, highlighting the balance between personal expression and the need for universal appeal in music.
The Impact of Legacy and Collaborations
In discussing his musical legacy, John Legend reflects on the significance of collaborations in building his career and artistic reputation. He recalls working with notable figures such as DJ Khaled and winning a Grammy for 'Higher,' underscoring the importance of strategic partnerships in the music industry. Legend believes that his continued collaborations are essential for maintaining his relevance and solidifying his status among contemporaries. He notes that songwriters and producers play critical roles in connecting artists and creating memorable music that resonates with audiences.
Social Responsibility and Artistic Influence
John Legend emphasizes the responsibility artists have in using their platforms for social change, inspired by historical figures like Nina Simone and Aretha Franklin. He articulates how music can serve as both a reflection and a catalyst for social movements, as seen with his song 'Glory,' which responds to modern struggles such as protests in Ferguson. This connection between artistry and activism is presented as a fundamental aspect of his philosophy as a musician. Legend firmly believes that artists should leverage their influence to contribute positively to societal issues, reinforcing the idea that music can drive change.
John Legend begins Part 2 of this episode of Club Shay Shay by sharing his experiences of making music for other artists, like his childhood crush, Janet Jackson. He also shares what it was like to collaborate with DJ Khaled, who he praises for bringing people together in the studio. John expresses a desire to work with Beyoncé and Adele and recounts his collaborations with music legends Stevie Wonder and Quincy Jones. He also reveals that Oprah's "Legend Banquet" played a role in introducing him to Quincy, though these relationships almost didn’t materialize due to business disagreements.
John admits that while “Ordinary People” is his personal favorite of his songs, “All of Me” is his most commercially successful track. He recalls writing it for Chrissy, who was his fiancée at the time, and drawing inspiration from a Billy Joel song. He also shares a tender memory of singing the song in her ear for the first time. John credits the song's massive success to his decision to market it as a pop rather than an R&B song, which led to its instant popularity after his live performances. He ranks his top five songs he's written, reflects on how his political activism is inspired by the sacrifices of his ancestors, and his musical heroes involvement in the Civil Rights Movement.
John discusses selling his music catalog while retaining control of his songs and weighs the pros and cons of being an independent artist versus signing with a major label. He touches on Prince’s advice about the music business, how modern technology allows artists to bypass gatekeepers, and the challenges of creating another talent like Prince. John laments that fewer people perform in church today, which he believes is leading to a loss of musical talent. He also praises Frank Ocean's unique approach to the music industry.
Looking ahead to the upcoming presidential election, John talks about Kamala Harris's potential impact on underrepresented communities and critiques Donald Trump, stating that he does not want his children to grow up to be like Trump. He praises Kamala for being the first U.S. Vice President to have attended an HBCU and acknowledges the misconceptions about her time as California’s Attorney General. John also discusses the Obama and Biden presidencies, arguing that their policies have served the American people better than Trump’s did. Finally, he reflects on the potential impact Kamala could have on the Black community if she ascends from Vice President to President.