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ABC/Randy HolmesJohn Legend has a close connection to Kanye West, the man Legend credits for kick-starting his career.
While promoting the Finding Neverland soundtrack, the singer recalled how Kanye took a chance on him. “When I moved to New York, I met Kanye, and he signed me to his production company, and really made an investment in launching my career as a solo artist,” Legend said in a video posted on YouTube. “So, his believing in me was really important.”
The singer also acknowledged others that contributed to his success. “I think it’s critical that you have people believe in you. I had people all along the way,” he said. “I had teachers. I had music teachers. I had choir directors, all that saw my talent and wanted to nurture it and help me grow as an artist.”
Known for his songwriting, Legend also revealed that he feels most creative while in transit. “I’ll usually have ideas and sing them into my phone.”
Legend contributes “My Imagination” to Finding Neverland: The Album, which also features Jennifer Lopez, Trey Songz, Rita Ora, Nick Jonas and Glee star Matthew Morrison. The album is a collection of re-imagined songs from the new Broadway musical about Peter Pan author J.M. Barrie, based on the 2004 Johnny Depp movie of the same name.
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