Even if you can sing or even if you can write a song, it takes a lot of determination, it takes some kind of thick skin, because you got to persevere despite the fact that people tell you you shouldn't do this or you shouldn't do that or you're not good enough or your style's too different. I've heard all of that stuff.

I only want to be associated with music that is high quality. That's my main criteria.

John legend is a nickname that somebody started calling me a while ago and part of it is 'cos I sound like an old man when I sing.

In the 1970s, for all the Stevie Wonders, I'm sure there were five artists that were making forgettable music.

I'm honestly not a great gift giver. I could give better - my girlfriends have always complained about that.

Music business is hard. It's very difficult. And it's not for everyone. Even if you can sing or even if you can write a song, it takes a lot of determination, it takes some kind of thick skin.

John Legend is a nickname that some friends started calling me, and it kind of grew into my stage name.