John Legend Speaking Fee: $200,000 to $300,000

John Legend, born John Roger Stephens on December 28, 1978, in Springfield, Ohio, is a renowned American singer, songwriter, and pianist. Raised in a musically inclined family—his mother directed the church choir, his father played drums, and his grandmother was the organist—Legend's early exposure to music was profound. He began playing the piano at age four and joined the church choir at seven, experiences that laid the foundation for his musical journey. Homeschooling allowed him to skip grades, and by 16, he was attending the University of Pennsylvania, where he earned a degree in English with an emphasis on African-American literature. During college, he met Lauryn Hill, who invited him to play piano on her song "Everything Is Everything," marking the beginning of his professional music career. After graduating, Legend worked as a management consultant at the Boston Consulting Group while performing music at night. His big break came in 2001 when he was introduced to Kanye West, leading to collaborations and eventually signing with West's label, GOOD Music. In 2004, he released his debut album, Get Lifted, which blended R&B, soul, and gospel influences. The album was a commercial success and earned him three Grammy Awards, including Best New Artist. His subsequent albums, such as Once Again (2006) and Evolver (2008), continued to build on his success, showcasing his versatility as an artist. In 2013, Legend released Love in the Future, featuring the hit single "All of Me," a dedication to his wife, Chrissy Teigen. The song became a wedding favorite and further solidified his place in the music industry. His 2015 collaboration with Common on the song "Glory" from the film Selma won both a Golden Globe and an Academy Award for Best Original Song, highlighting his ability to blend artistry with activism. In 2018, Legend made history by becoming the first African American man to achieve EGOT status—winning an Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony Award—when he received an Emmy for his role in Jesus Christ Superstar Live in Concert. Beyond his musical achievements, Legend is a dedicated philanthropist and activist. He founded the Show Me Campaign to address issues of poverty and inequality and launched FreeAmerica to advocate for criminal justice reform. His efforts have contributed to a 30% decrease in incarceration rates in the U.S. In 2025, he was named Chief Music Officer for the meditation app Headspace, reflecting his commitment to promoting mental well-being. Throughout his career, Legend has balanced his artistic endeavors with a passion for social change, using his platform to inspire and uplift others.