Legend also played the piano on Lauryn Hill's 1998 song "Everything is Everything" and sang background vocals on Jay-Z's "Encore" and Alicia Keys' "You Don't Know My Name". Legend frequently cites gospel, R&B, and hip hop music as his main musical influences.
Legend released his critically acclaimed and Billboard Top Ten second album, Once Again, in October 2006. Produced by Raphael Saadiq, Kanye West and will.i.am, it is again a mixture of gospel and classic soul showcasing his extraordinary voice, particularly on "Show Me".
Grammy Award Wins:
*2005 Best New Artist
*2005 Best Male R&B Vocal Performance: "Ordinary People"
*2005 Best R&B Album- Get Lifted
*2007 Best Male R&B Vocal Performance: Heaven
*2007 Best R&B Performance by a Duo or Group: Family Affair
Neo-soul singer and pianist John Legend combined the raw fervor of contemporaries Cody ChesnuTT and the burning precision of D'Angelo. Born John Stephens, Legend was a child prodigy who grew up in Ohio, where he began singing gospel and playing piano at the tender age of five. Legend left Ohio at 16 to attend college in Philadelphia, and it was there that he first found a larger audience. Not yet out of his teens, Legend was tapped to play piano on Lauryn Hill's "Everything Is Everything" in 1998. After completing college, he moved to New York, where he began to build a loyal following playing in nightclubs and releasing CDs that he would sell at shows. He also became an in-demand session musician, playing and occasionally writing for a wide array of artists, including Alicia Keys, Twista, Janet Jackson, and Kanye West. It wasn't until West signed the young talent to his new label that he adopted the Legend name with 2004's Solo Sessions Vol. 1: Live at the Knitting Factory. Get Lifted, his first studio album, was released later in the year. On the strength of enduring single "Ordinary People," the album reached the Top Five of the Billboard 200. This led to three Grammy Awards: Best R&B Album, Best R&B Male Vocal Performance, and Best New Artist. Once Again, which peaked at number three on the Billboard 200 and number one on the R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart, followed in October 2006. Live from Philadelphia, sold exclusively at Target stores, was a successful stopgap release that predated October 2008's Evolver.
Christmas In New Orleans
John Legend Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴
Magnolia trees at night
Sparkling bright
Fields of cotton look wintry white
When it's Christmas time
In New Orleans
A-do-ba-do-dun-do-ba-do-do
Oh, it fills the air
Mississippi folks are gathering there
When it's Christmas time
In New Orleans
You'll see a Dixieland Santa Claus
Leading the band
To a good old Creole beat
And golly, what a spirit
You can only hear it
Down on Basin Street
Your cares will disappear
Ah, when you hear
Glory, Hallelujah, St. Nicholas is here
When it's Christmas time
In New Orleans
Ah, you'll see a Dixieland Santa Claus
Leading the band
To a good old Creole beat
And golly, what a spirit
You can only hear it
Down on Basin Street
Your cares will disappear
Oh, when you hear
Glory, Hallelujah, St. Nicholas is here
When it's Christmas time
In New Orleans, oh, do you know what I'm talking about?
It's Christmas time in
Hey, feels so good to be in New Orleans, yeah
When it's Christmas time in New Orleans
Ee, yeah, yeah
The lyrics of John Legend's song "Christmas In New Orleans" paint a vivid and joyful picture of the unique and festive atmosphere of Christmas in the city. The mention of magnolia trees at night sparkling bright and fields of cotton looking wintry white captures the serene and magical beauty of the scenery in New Orleans during the holiday season. These natural elements evoke a sense of peace and wonder that sets the stage for the festive celebrations to come.
The imagery of a barefoot choir in prayer and Mississippi folks gathering together conveys a sense of community and togetherness that is characteristic of the Christmas spirit. The act of coming together in prayer and song creates a warm and welcoming atmosphere, where people are united in celebration and gratitude for the season. This communal aspect of the holiday is a central theme in the song, emphasizing the joy of sharing the Christmas experience with others.
The mention of a Dixieland Santa Claus leading the band to a Creole beat on Basin Street adds a lively and spirited dimension to the song. This imagery of Santa Claus immersed in the vibrant musical culture of New Orleans highlights the city's unique cultural heritage and brings an infectious energy to the Christmas festivities. The music and celebrations described create a sense of exuberance and merriment that is synonymous with the holiday season.
Overall, "Christmas In New Orleans" is a celebration of the rich cultural tapestry and festive spirit of the city during Christmas time. Through its evocative imagery and joyful descriptions of the sights and sounds of the season, the song captures the essence of Christmas in New Orleans as a time of unity, joy, and vibrant celebration. It invites listeners to immerse themselves in the festive magic of the city and experience the unique charm and warmth of Christmas in this special place.
Lyrics © Kanjian Music
Written by: Joe Van Winkle, Richard M. Sherman
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Gerry Kenney
My absolute favortie Chritmas album!! Thank you.
sweetblue.
Ya se siente la víspera navideña 🌲❤
Deborah Ryan
I truly love John Legend! I believe that everything he touches turns to gold! I love that he & Chrissy share their beautiful life in bits & pieces with all! It is wonderful, amazing & I love to see people happy and enjoying their life & love! Best wishes to John, Chrissy & their adorable child! Lots of love XOXO
Sentinel Randy
This is such a unique type of Christmas song, love the jazz in it. Happy Holidays to everyone, may you be happy and safe. :)
Chilzmapew wep
Just found out about this sing this xmas 2021 and I love it so muchh
Victoria Green
Been listening to A Legendary Christmas literally straight since October 2018💖💖💖
Ekinnaj Jay
Wow, beautiful version 😍😍😍
Melka Maria
This is so special 💓
Crazyman TV
Ya huele a navidad 🎄⛄️❄️☃️
Daniel Cárdenas M
Dang Mr. Legend! WHAT A JAZZY CHRISTMAS SONG :D