John Legend, an acclaimed artist known for his impressive collection of Emmys, Grammys, Oscars, and Tonys, discusses his creative journey from a Boston consultant to a music powerhouse. He shares how 'mumbling' can inspire songwriting and the importance of personal experiences in music. John emphasizes the significance of empathy in family life and the need for supportive policies for parents. He also touches on the evolving role of AI in creativity and reflects on the balance between authenticity and community support in artistic expression.
Read more
AI Summary
AI Chapters
Episode notes
auto_awesome
Podcast summary created with Snipd AI
Quick takeaways
John Legend's journey from management consultant to music icon illustrates the importance of balancing a steady job with pursuing creative passions.
His approach to songwriting—starting with improvisation—demonstrates how experimentation and adaptability can lead to unexpected creative breakthroughs.
Deep dives
The Journey of a Trailblazer
John Legend's career highlights the importance of flexibility and perseverance in achieving success. Initially starting as a management consultant, he maintained a day job while nurturing his passion for music, demonstrating a practical approach to career pivots. His focus on developing musical connections in New York played a crucial role in launching his career and eventually allowed him to transition fully into music. Legend emphasizes the benefits of having a backup plan, which provides a cushion as one explores creative avenues.
Creative Process and Songwriting
Legend shares insights into his unique songwriting process, which often begins with him improvising melodies before crafting the lyrics. This approach leads to melodies that sound and feel right, forming the foundation for what later becomes a cohesive song. He recounts how the iconic song "Ordinary People" emerged from an improvisational session meant for another artist, showcasing the unpredictable nature of creativity. This highlights that sometimes the best results stem from a willingness to experiment and adapt.
Family Values and New Directions
John Legend's new children’s album, "My Favorite Dream," reflects his aspirations to create music that resonates with both kids and parents. The inspiration for the album arose from a casual interaction where he covered a song from a Fisher Price piano mat for his daughter, leading him to write original songs aimed at a family audience. This dual focus on engaging children while also appealing to adult sensibilities is a testament to his commitment to nurturing familial bonds through music. In doing this, Legend aims to convey themes of love, imagination, and comfort that are relevant to both children and their parents.
Navigating Parenting Challenges
Legend speaks candidly about the challenges of parenting, particularly after his son's type 1 diabetes diagnosis, which has become a significant aspect of his family's life. He emphasizes the importance of allowing children to express their feelings and not hastily rushing to solutions, understanding that some emotions need acknowledgment rather than resolution. This approach fosters open communication and helps children feel seen and supported, promoting emotional health. Legend aims to learn alongside his children, highlighting that parenting is not just about teaching but also about navigating challenges together.
Before John Legend was coaching The Voice and winning Emmys, Grammys, Oscars and Tonys, he was a twenty-something consultant living in Boston. In this episode, John sits down with Adam to share how he hustled from the boardroom to the studio and crafted the creative career that led him to the top of the entertainment industry. John also talks about how he maintains creative vision at the core of his business, and why family and advocacy work are vital to his artistic mission.
Available transcripts for ReThinking can be found at go.ted.com/RWAGscripts
Get the Snipd podcast app
Unlock the knowledge in podcasts with the podcast player of the future.
AI-powered podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
Discover highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode
Save any moment
Hear something you like? Tap your headphones to save it with AI-generated key takeaways
Share & Export
Send highlights to Twitter, WhatsApp or export them to Notion, Readwise & more
AI-powered podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
Discover highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode