CHAT TRANSCRIPTS (Chats highlights)

Here you can recall the highlights of different chats with JL.


• The Legend Network Exclusive Chat
- December 21, 2006

JohnLegend: Welcome everyone!

MrsJohnStephens: What book are you currently reading?
JohnLegend: I'm reading "The Audacity of Hope" by Barack Obama. I met with him when i was touring in Chicago recently, and he signed his book for me. I've been reading it quite a bit lately. He's a great writer and i think he has great ideas for this country.

MrsStephens: Why did you choose English as a major?
JohnLegend: I really enjoy reading and writing. I didn't really love English in high school until my junior year when i had a really good teacher that taught me how to write more effectively. I started to gain more confidence as a writer then, and i've enjoyed English classes since then. I also enjoyed history and political science, and i could've majored in either and I would have been happy.

Claudia_Germany: What do he do against stage fright? And: it is horrible before concert?
JohnLegend: I almost never get nervous before a show. I'm very relaxed before i go on stage. I'm excited to perform and to feel the energy of the audience, but not nervous.

krazeeme: How was the tour?? What was your best show??
JohnLegend: The tour went really well! I really enjoyed quite a few of the shows. All the shows in California were great. So was Houston, Chicago, Detroit, Philadelphia... I just got off stage in Manchester, England. That was really good too. So was Paris. the list keeps going.

melrau: Who does your hair, make up & styling on tour and for photo shoots???
JohnLegend: my brother Ron does my hair. i don't have a regular make-up artist. I usually let the magazine choose. Lisa Sellers does most of my styling when it comes to clothing.

uniquejp: Whats your New Years Resolution?
JohnLegend: I'm always trying to improve. My resolution is to have an even better touring year in 2007. I want to work on some specific areas to make my show even more entertaining. I also want to read more. And I want to kick off my charitable initiatives in a robust way. And, lastly, i want to reach 5million in worldwide sales for "once again!"

kdrullat: Whenever I see you do an interview, you conduct yourself in a very down-to-earth, sensitive, caring and real manner. I was wondering have you had any negative experiences that have made you falter from any of this and caused you to become guarded towards people who approach you?
JohnLegend: Almost all of my interview experiences have been positive. People don't usually come at me in a negative way. Anyway, I think you can usually kill people with kindness and confidence if they come at you with negativity. They usually can't sustain it for very long if you respond with a good attitude.

limta_01: What is your favorite Christmas memory?
JohnLegend: Well, every Christmas with my family is fun. We have some great food, and we sing around the piano every year. I don't think any one in particular stands out. This year will be great because we'll be able to watch ourselves singing on the Today Show together.

melrau: Have you ever read any books by Ayn Rand, like Atlas Shrugged or The Fountainhead???
JohnLegend: I read "Atlas Shrugged" in high school. I don't remember all the details now, but it was a very interesting book. It made me think about the world in a new way.

AllAccessLBJ: What is your most personal song on "Once Again"?
JohnLegend: I'd say "Show Me" is probably my most personal song on the album. It really captures some of the questions I have about my faith and spirituality

kdrullat: Mr. Legend, I know that you listed Jeffrey Sachs book "The End of Poverty" as a suggested reading and being that this is an issue very close to my heart also, sincie I too feel that there isn't a reason for anyone to be poor to the point where they have to live on the streets, starve or receive adequate medical care. Since you made this suggestion, I was wondering were you yourself also trying to help find a solution to this problem, now that you have reached a status where you have more financial resources and a lot more influential connections and contacts?
JohnLegend: yes, i'm starting to getting very involved in the fight to end poverty. I'll be working with Professor Sachs directly in '07. I'm looking to visit Africa with him, and help him raise funds and awareness for some of the projects he's doing there. I also had the opportunity to perform at the Nobel Peace Prize concert in Norway this month, and I was able to learn about the work of Mohammaed Yunus, who's doing great things to help end poverty in Bangladesh. All of this work is very inspiring because their solutions to end poverty aren't just about putting band-aids on the problem. They're about empowering people to take control of their own lives and build their own businesses in their community so they can have sustained growth

uniquejp: I was at the concert in Norfolk, VA @ the NorVa. Do you think on your next tour you will visit that venue again? By the way I absolutely LOVED YOU!!!!!
JohnLegend: I think we won't be doing those intimate venues on the next tour. We'll be doing slight larger venues, mostly in the 3,000-6,000 range. We'll have a major opening act as well. TBA later!

lovelyinlondon: Do you ever get really homesick? Where do you call home?
JohnLegend: I miss New York a lot. I grew up in Ohio, but i've lived on the East Coast since 1995, and specifically in New York since 2000. I have a lot of friends in New York, and I miss them when I'm gone. Plus, i just miss sleeping in my own bed in my own apartment sometimes.

smuv_757: I saw you on "Real Time" on HBO. I was great to hear your political views. Will you be making another appearance?
JohnLegend: I hope so! We wanted to do it this fall, but my schedule did not permit me to. Hopefully next season. I really enjoy watching that show, and I had a lot of fun being on the show. I was a little nervous before i went on, but i think it went really well.

DJSteve: Do you workout? How often and what do you do?
JohnLegend: I work out almost everyday. (I skipped it today because i was too tired!) But almost everyday. I have a trainer on the road with me. We box, lift weights and run.

islandgirlja: John what are your plans for your birthday...doing anything special?
JohnLegend: I'm having a dinner and a party in NYC on my birthday. I'm really looking forward to it. I don't get to really party much because i'm always working, but i have the whole week off between Christmas and New Year's Eve, so I'm going to really have a good time on my birthday!

Ewe: How do you balance your career and family life?
JohnLegend: Well, i don't have any kids of my own, and I'm single, so my work is very dominant in my life right now. When the time is right, i'd love to settle down a little bit and start my own family.

Tara: What is your favorite song to sing?
JohnLegend: I love doing "So High". I also love doing "Slow Dance" and "Again" from the new album.

spelunking: You were...appealing [to say the least] in your video "Save Room". So, I must ask...Boxers or Briefs???
JohnLegend: Boxer briefs.

suru: Hi John, I wanted to know who is your favorite FEMALE artist of all time; and who is your favorite FEMALE artist who's on the charts today
JohnLegend: My favorite all time is between Aretha Franklin & Nina Simone. I also love Lauryn Hill and Fiona Apple a lot.

Elmora: Do you think Barack Obama has a strong chance to be our next President?
JohnLegend: I'm not sure yet. I think he has the talent to do it. It's just a matter of whether or not he's ready to face the intense scrutiny that he's going to receive as a candidate. I really like him a lot, and every time i've seen him speak, i've felt that he really gets it when it comes to the issues and the tone that America needs to hear right now. But we'll see...

ginabeana: If God gave you the chance to change the world, what would you change and why.
JohnLegend: I'd like to end poverty and racism. I'd like to end the extremism and the bitterness that encourage terrorism. I'd like to make sure everyone felt like they had the opportunity to succeed in this world.

kdrullat: What are your feelings about the situation going on in Dafur?
JohnLegend: I've been reading a lot about the Darfur situation lately. It's simply outrageous how many people have been killed or displaced in that region due to their ethnicity. The world is starting to pay attention, and now it's time for the reasonable countries of the world to put pressure on the Sudanese government to stop the killing. And China and other trading partners of Sudan need to stop turning a blind eye in support of their short term economic interest.

michebrown: Will you be performing at the Grammy Awards, and will you be performing anywhere in LA while you're in town?
JohnLegend: We're still figuring out the exact details of the Grammys, but yes I will be performing. I'm not sure if I'll be doing anything else in LA. Details will be confirmed early in Jan.

Kristi: Do you plan on adding other songs from Once Again to your next tour? Like, Another Again or Each Day Gets better those songs would sound amazing live.
JohnLegend: I think we'll add "Another Again" on the next tour.

YuMMiPuDnPoP: Would you perform at the White House if George W. asked you to or would you decline?
JohnLegend: it depends on the situation. I still have respect for the office of the Presidency, even though i don't feel like the person in it is doing a good job.

ra4422: any new song collaborations in 2007 to look out for? (with lupe fiasco, beyonce, pharrell..etc)?
JohnLegend: Look for a collaboration with Common coming soon. Hopefully, you all have heard the new song I have with Mary J. Blige called "King & Queen". It's on her greatest hits, and it will be on a reissued version of "once again" in 2007.

michebrown: John, if you could re-record any song, which one would you choose?
JohnLegend: Hallelujah by Leonard Cohen. it was also covered by Jeff Buckley.

Tara: Can you explain what your song "Stereo" is about?
JohnLegend: It's about a few women i've met on the road that always seem to be on the scene and always seem to be dating guys in the industry. It's not really completely dissing them because, as the song says, "I still want her anyway." But it's at least pointing out the suspicion.

Cynthia: Hi John! I was one of the lucky few who got the chance to "Slow Dance" (in LA) with you during your tour. Will you be incorporating the audience members more in your 2007 tour?
JohnLegend: I'm not sure yet. I haven't planned out the 2007 tour yet, but i think we'll come up with some cool improvements.

YuMMiPuDnPoP: Would you ever get Paul Wall to make you a "grill?" lol
JohnLegend: Never. Ever. it's not my thing.

dkeeling0419: Besides New York, where is your favorite place to go?
JohnLegend: I love Paris. I love several places in Italy. I love Cape Town, South Africa. Those are some of my favorites.

YuMMiPuDnPoP: What is one of your biggest fears?
JohnLegend: Mice

lovelyinlondon: If you weren't a singer/performer, what would you like to do as a career?
JohnLegend: I'm not sure. first of all, i couldn't imagine my life without music. It's such an integral part of my existence. But i guess i might have continued in management consulting and then went to business school and continued to work in the corporate world before starting my own business.

YuMMiPuDnPoP: Where were you during the 9/11/01 attacks?
JohnLegend: I was living in New York. I had this beat up Honda Accord that was falling apart, and i was driving from the East Village to a repair place on the west side. I was listening to Hot 97 when Star & Buc wild were still doing the morning show. They announced the first plane crash, then they announced the second one. At that point, everyone assumed it must have been a terrorist attack. It was surreal. My phone wasn't working and the city was in shock. I just went back home and watched the news. It was a really emotional time for every one. A few of my friends stopped over and had drinks with us, and we didn't really know what to say. It was a crazy time.

Maxxi: Would every consider a political career in the future...and if so, what would be your platform...or are you comfortable with using your talents for humanitrian efforts? besides poverty...what would be your other concerns/matters you bring to worlds attention?
JohnLegend: I doubt that I would ever run from office. I feel like i can use my position now to help people and advance different issues i believe in without running for office.

AllAccessLBJ: I love "Please Baby Don't" on Sergio Mendes' "Timeless" album. The two of you together make me want to go a beach and make my own music video. Do you have any plans or desires to work with him again?
JohnLegend: I'll be doing a concert with Sergio and the Black Eyed Peas on New Year's Eve in Rio de Janeiro in Brazil. I'm very excited. I love Sergio and his family. They've had me over for dinner a couple times in LA, and they're really warm, generous people. And his wife can really cook! I hope i can work with him again on his next album.

ginabeana: How is the American education system is failing our children, in your opinion?
JohnLegend: Well, there is drastic underfunding of public schools in inner cities and poor rural districts. There should not be a inequity in funding between rich districts and poor ones. it's simply not fair and it's immoral. Teachers need to be paid more in order to encourage more talented people to choose that profession and remain in it. Also, parents need to get more involved in their children's education. particularly in the black community, there is not enough stress placed on education in the culture.

Tara: You did a concert here in Hawaii and sang "Freak out." Will that show up any where? Or has that song been put on the back burner?
JohnLegend: It's on the back burner right now. I just haven't made an album where i've felt that it fit in. But i'll use it at some point. Maybe on movie soundtrack.

krazeeme: Thank God on the "Grill" thing!!! You look sooo happy on stage, what is the best motivation to give your 1000% on stage?
JohnLegend: I just love it when the crowd gives me energy. I feed off the crowd.

YuMMiPuDnPoP: When you are in New York, do you get approached a lot on the street or do people kind of move about doing their own thing?
JohnLegend: I get approached quite a bit. Especially in more touristy areas. When I'm in the east village, it's pretty low key, but people still come up to me quite a bit.

dudeino: if you had to choose who is your favorite director ever?
JohnLegend: I love Martin Scorcese, Spike Lee, Woody Allen. Off the top of my head.

lovelyinlondon: I love the interesting sound of Maxine. Is that song a true story? Were there really white shoes?
JohnLegend: The story is completely fictional. I've never caught anyone cheating on me. But it was a fun story to write. I wrote it with the guys from Sa-Ra Creative Partners. They're really cool, creative guys.

AKOSUA: John, have u viewed Dreamgirls yet?
JohnLegend: Not yet. I'm looking forward to it. You should also check out "Pursuit of Happyness". I saw a screening of it in the summer. Will and his son are really good together. It made me want to have a little son!

captureme: John when is the last time you went on vacation and where did you go?
JohnLegend: I haven't had a true vacation in so long. Usually, my vacations are combined with a performance. Like when I played in Hawaii and Trinidad this year, i went early so i could have a few days of vacation before my shows.

limta_01: What do you consider a romantic date?
JohnLegend: A nice, intimate place. Great conversation. Great food and wine. Lots of sexual tension and flirting.

Ann_Marie: John, how do you relax?
JohnLegend: I love watching sports and comedy if i just want to relax and let my mind take a break. I love the Office, the Daily show with Jon Stewart, Dave Chappelle, the Colbert Report and South Park. I love watching football too (American football, that is).

AKOSUA: What was it like performing at the Nobel Peace Prize ceremony? What song did u perform?
JohnLegend: It was an honor to perform there. The crowd included a lot of dignitaries and important people, so it wasn't the "crunkest", but it was fun anyway. I performed Save Room and Used to Love U.

Ewe: Dear John, thanks again for your show in Berlin, Germany earlier this month. It was absolutely amazing! I have a couple of questions for you: 1) I know a lot of people here in Poland are into your music as much as I am (but Im THE BIGGEST FAN lol!) and they would love to see you and the band performing live. Is there any chance that you will visit Poland in 2007? If not, when are you going to come back to Europe? (I know that you are still in England, but since your UK tour is approaching its end I thought I would ask).
JohnLegend: I really hope to see more of Europe in 2007. If my agent is able to find the right promoter who thinks they can make a Warsaw concert happen, I'm definitely interested in coming. We'll be in Europe doing some of the festivals in the summer.

cmoss13: What's your favorite Spike Lee movie?
JohnLegend: I love "Do the Right Thing", "Malcolm X," and "when the Levees Broke".

AKOSUA: John I can already see the influence you've had on RnB music and other gendres. Where would you like to see music go right about now?
JohnLegend: I just hope there will always be an opportunity for people to be creative and honest in their music. I like all types of music, and I'm always excited when something fresh and authentic comes along. There isn't enough of that.

AKOSUA: John, how are the guitar lessons going? Are u considering another instrument?
JohnLegend: I haven't started yet! another new year's resolution, I guess!

JohnLegend: Ok, folks. I have to run now. Thanks for joining the John Legend Network. You can look forward to a lot more opportunities like this in the future. Please continue to give us feedback on how to make the Network better. Please have a safe and happy Christmas, Hannukah, Kwanzaa and New Year!



• AOL Music Chat - October 2006

DonyaInMusic: what up John?
LegendSaveRoom: hey
LegendSaveRoom: we're on
DonyaInMusic: I must say I am so surprised that you were ON TIME
DonyaInMusic: very impressive :)
LegendSaveRoom: :)
LegendSaveRoom: i try
DonyaInMusic: so where are you chatting from today?
LegendSaveRoom: My hotel room in Atlanta, GA
DonyaInMusic: ok, what's going on in the A?
LegendSaveRoom: I'm performing at a special event for V103, a big urban radio station, tonight
DonyaInMusic: ok, cool
DonyaInMusic: What kind of response are you getting so far from your new album?
LegendSaveRoom: overwhelmingly positive responses so far
LegendSaveRoom: but we'll see when it's finally released
LegendSaveRoom: i'm very proud of it, and i think it's the best work i've done to date
DonyaInMusic: You went in a somewhat different direction this time. What inspired the change?
LegendSaveRoom: I just continue to grow as an artist. My music will continue to evolve the more i observe the world, the more i listen to different kinds of music and the more life experiences i have.
LegendSaveRoom: i didn't specifically set out to go in a new direction on this album
LegendSaveRoom: but it happened that way due to the different kinds of music i was listening to
DonyaInMusic: well, now you have to tell us what those kinds of music were
DonyaInMusic: classical, calypso, a little Weird Al? lol
LegendSaveRoom: Well, i've always had eclectic taste, but it has gotten more so lately as i've been getting more and more frustrated with the state of contemporary "urban" music.
LegendSaveRoom: So i listen to a mix of classic soul (Stevie/Marvin, etc), hip-hop (Outkast, Jay-Z, Kanye), classic rock (The Beatles, David Bowie, The Beach Boys), alternative (Sufjan Stevens, Fiona Apple, Jeff Buckley, White Stripes), jazz and standards too
DonyaInMusic: wow, that's a lot!
DonyaInMusic: I must say I did like that Beach Boys song from the 'Cocktail' movie
LegendSaveRoom: I really love the Beach Boys' 'Pet Sounds' album
LegendSaveRoom: it's one of the great albums in pop music
DonyaInMusic: wow, ok!
DonyaInMusic: so your ipod shuffle is crazy!
LegendSaveRoom: yes, i love using the shuffle because i sometimes forget to listen to some artists because i have so many songs on my ipod
LegendSaveRoom: the shuffle always has some pleasant surprises
DonyaInMusic: tell us a song that's out right now that you absolutely can NOT stand
DonyaInMusic: like when you hear it you just wanna scream
LegendSaveRoom: i don't like to dis other artists by name
DonyaInMusic: ok, just sing it for us :)
LegendSaveRoom: suffice to say that there are plenty of songs on the radio that are crap-tacular
DonyaInMusic: ha ha
DonyaInMusic: I know one in particular that has a nursery rhyme in it, but I won't say names
LegendSaveRoom: you can name names
LegendSaveRoom: i won't
DonyaInMusic: Oh, so just get me in trouble then!
LegendSaveRoom: fire away!
DonyaInMusic: It goes "eenie meenie miney mo" and I'll just leave it at that
DonyaInMusic: :)
DonyaInMusic: ok, moving on...
LegendSaveRoom: moving on
DonyaInMusic: on the 'Get Lifted' CD, you sung a lot about infidelity...
DonyaInMusic: were you the cheater or the cheatee?
LegendSaveRoom: i don't discuss the intricacies of my personal life :)
DonyaInMusic: ok, understandable
LegendSaveRoom: But, yes, i've cheated before
LegendSaveRoom: It's not something to be proud of
DonyaInMusic: did you get caught or did you confess?
LegendSaveRoom: i didn't confess
LegendSaveRoom: didn't get caught either
LegendSaveRoom: i guess i'm confessing now
LegendSaveRoom: but not specifically :)
DonyaInMusic: lol
DonyaInMusic: well you've got a lot of beautiful women in the 'Save Room' video
LegendSaveRoom: yes
DonyaInMusic: who came up with the concept for that?
LegendSaveRoom: Bryan Barber, the director
LegendSaveRoom: The idea of the video was that i was trying to convince this girl i'm pursuing to save room for me.
LegendSaveRoom: Not only is she not really saving room for me, but she also keeps shifting into a new woman in the middle of the scene.
DonyaInMusic: right, I liked it. It made me keep watching it
LegendSaveRoom: the idea was not that i was cheating on my girl. they were multiple actors playing the same person
LegendSaveRoom: but, since i talk about cheating on the first album, people thought i was continuing the infidelity subject in this video
DonyaInMusic: nah, I thought it was very creative. I kept waiting to see who would pop up next
LegendSaveRoom: cool. i'm glad you got it
LegendSaveRoom: some people didn't
LegendSaveRoom: understandably so, i guess. that's why you just have to keep watching to figure it out. :)
DonyaInMusic: Right. I also saw you on Oprah with your family. Have you had any random family members come out of the woodwork saying you're related?
LegendSaveRoom: of course
DonyaInMusic: like "come on, John! You know me I'm you're cuuuuzin!" :)
LegendSaveRoom: you always learn about new long-lost cousins when you become rich and/or famous
DonyaInMusic: how do you handle that?
LegendSaveRoom: I say hi and give them a hug and say it's nice to meet you. and that's about it
DonyaInMusic: nice! No writing checks on the spot
LegendSaveRoom: no way
LegendSaveRoom: i had to make rules with myself about that
LegendSaveRoom: because you have to learn how to say no without feeling too guilty
LegendSaveRoom: you can't take care of everyone
LegendSaveRoom: i take care of my immediate family and donate a lot to charity
DonyaInMusic: Exactly. They'll send you to the poor house like Hammer.
DonyaInMusic: You also seem like you're a bit into fashion. Do you have a stylist or do you pick all your clothes yourself?
LegendSaveRoom: I have a stylist. i hate shopping. there are too many stores, too much to think about. I don't have time
DonyaInMusic: I feel you.
LegendSaveRoom: Luckily, i get a lot of free stuff too. That's a nice perk of my job
DonyaInMusic: I'll bet.
DonyaInMusic: Ok, John. Well, thanks for joining us today.
LegendSaveRoom: it was my pleasure
DonyaInMusic: and good luck with the album :)
LegendSaveRoom: thank you so much
DonyaInMusic: c-ya