John Legend, the celebrated singer and the first Black EGOT winner, shares insights from his life growing up in Springfield, Ohio. He candidly discusses his challenging relationship with his mother and how they rebuilt their bond. The conversation delves into the healing power of cooking and how family meals influenced his musical journey. John also reflects on resilience, political activism, and the joy of creating his mother's iconic mac & cheese, blending personal stories with his commitment to community and unity.
John Legend reflects on his early culinary experiences as a means to connect with his mother during challenging family times.
He emphasizes the influence of community support and activism, highlighting the importance of addressing social justice issues for marginalized groups.
Deep dives
The Importance of Home Cooking
John Legend discusses his early experiences with cooking, emphasizing how he took on the role of the family cook at a young age. His culinary duties began around the age of 12 when his mother, overwhelmed by homeschooling and the challenges post-divorce, couldn't dedicate time to meal preparation. He recalls roasting chickens and making dishes like chili and boxed meals, showcasing a blend of utilitarian and creative cooking. This shift not only filled a necessity in the household but also served as a way for him to connect with his mother and nurture his love for creating meals.
Impact of Family and Community
The podcast highlights the significant influence of John Legend's family and community during challenging times. The death of his grandmother deeply affected his family, leading to struggles with his mother's mental health and subsequent drug addiction. Despite these hardships, Legend describes how a supportive network from their church and community stepped in to help maintain stability in their lives. This network provided crucial guidance and care, illustrating the importance of community support in overcoming personal challenges.
Navigating Education and Music
John Legend shares his unique educational journey, particularly being homeschooled for part of his early life, which fostered both his musical talents and academic skills. His mother, deeply engaged in teaching her children, often incorporated music into their education, allowing Legend to flourish early in academics and music. He attributes a lot of his musical inclination to his church experience and the influence of family, particularly his grandmother, who taught him gospel music. This foundational period set him on a path that integrated both his passion for music and his desire to succeed in various artistic realms.
Activism Rooted in Personal Experience
John Legend discusses how his personal experiences, particularly with family struggles and community dynamics, shaped his approach to activism. He is inspired by civil rights figures and emphasizes the importance of using one's platform to support social justice causes, particularly for marginalized communities. Drawing connections to his relatives and friends who faced incarceration, he highlights the difficulties they encounter when reintegrating into society. His activism extends beyond the personal, advocating for broader systemic changes that promote equity and understanding at a community level.
Multiple Grammy and Platinum Record winning artist John Legend takes us back to his roots in Springfield, Ohio, where he was an academic overachiever and a musical prodigy. John opens up about his early rocky relationship with his mother and how, over time, they came together to nurture one beautiful family. Plus, we learn how to make his mama's special mac & cheese.