John Legend is absolutely killing it. The actor, singer, songwriter, and producer has just won another major award and he hasn’t even hit 40. He inspires individuals across the globe not only with his passion for the arts, but also through his expressive opinions and openness with his fans. I’m ready to give him some recognition for his many accomplishments and a tribute to many more.
Most recently, on Sunday September 9th, 2018, John Legend made history. After winning an Emmy for producing Jesus Christ Superstar Live in Concert, named the best variety special, John Legend tied with Robert Lopez as the youngest EGOT winner. Reaching EGOT status requires an individual to win four major arts awards: an Emmy, a Grammy, an Oscar, and a Tony. This is an outstanding accolade, and John Legend more than deserved it.
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On his road to EGOT status, the first major award he won was a Grammy for “Best New Artist” back in 2006. By the end of that night, he had finished with a hat trick by picking up two more Grammys for “Best R&B Album” and “Best Male R&B Vocal Performance.” Over the past 12 years, in total, he has received 10 Grammys for phenomenal performances within the music industry.
The next major award Legend received was an Academy Award for “Best Original Song” for his release of “Glory” for the film Selma. This song stays true to John Legend’s thought provoking personality, as it addresses the fight against racism. This demonstrates how noteworthy and creative John Legend’s writing and composing have become. In very unique ways, his works add strengths to the morals of the movie. He went on to win an Oscar in 2015, this time an award for best original song.
The second last award he won before reaching EGOT status was a Tony for co-producing Jitney; it received “Best Revival of a Play” at the 2017 Tony Awards. The Tony Awards recognize outstanding individuals in live Broadway theatre.
John Legend has received almost too many awards to count. His work and genuine character go well beyond the honours he’s received. He is a very family-oriented person who always rejoices in time spent with his children, such as teaching his oldest, Luna, how to play musical instruments like piano. It would be difficult to find a couple as compatible as John and his wife Chrissy Teigen. They are truly “two peas in a pod,” and although I do not know them personally, it is easy to see that they complement each other perfectly. The two of them have the same political and worldly views and they are known to spend a lot of their earnings on philanthropy and giving back to those who are less fortunate. As well, they actively pursue social activism. Chrissy, who has finally been unblocked from Donald Trump’s Twitter page, never hesitates to take on significant social debates where needed.
John Legend as an artist has had six “Top 10 Hits,” including his most famous, “All of Me,” which was the third best selling song in 2014. He has a loyal fanbase that has purchased approximately 12.3 million copies of the famous song.
When performing, he the ability to put audiences into a daze, and outside of his music, he is an extremely influential individual in our generation who continues to fight for his beliefs. By the end of this year, John Legend will only just have turned 40 — yet he has accomplished so much, so young. He truly puts the legend in John Legend.