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Music has been part of John Legend's life for as long as he can remember. His grandmother taught him to play piano when he was a little boy. And by the time he was 8, he was singing and playing gospel in his church choir. Years later - in his early 20's - John started doing shows along the U.S. east coast - hoping to get a record deal.
Well, he got one - when he was signed by an up and coming hip hop artist at the time named Kanye West. Kanye produced John's debut album and John became a star. Since then, he's released two more hit records, won six Grammys, and become a voice for change.
In 2007, John read a book called 'The End of Poverty', and it inspired him to visit Africa and create the 'Show Me Campaign' - a non-profit group that works to break the cycle of poverty.
Now, John's involved in a new project. He's written a song called 'Shine' for a documentary called 'Waiting For Superman' - which looks at the failure of America's public schools. His latest album 'Wake Up!' is collaboration with The Roots - an album of socially conscious tracks from the 1960's and 1970's. Plus he's already forging ahead his next project and has tapped his long-time partner-in-crime, Kanye West to co-produce.
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