John Roger Stephens, known professionally as
John Legend, is an American singer, songwriter, pianist, record producer, and actor. He began his musical career working behind the scenes for other artists, playing piano on Lauryn Hill's "Everything Is Everything," and making uncredited guest appearances on Jay-Z's "Encore" and Alicia Keys's "You Don't Know My Name". He was the first artist to sign with Kanye West's GOOD Music, through which he released his debut studio album,
Get Lifted (2004). The album reached the top ten of the
Billboard 200, received double platinum certification by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) and spawned his first hit song, "Ordinary People."