John Legend is an American singer-songwriter from Springfield, Ohio, who began performing in church choirs and later worked as a session musician and producer before releasing his debut album in the early 2000s, and is primarily associated with R&B, soul and pop. His music emphasises piano-led arrangements and soulful vocals with strong roots in gospel and neo-soul, and his career has incorporated collaborations across genres, acting roles and public advocacy on social and cultural issues.