Where Did John Legend Go To College?
John Legend is a renowned American singer, songwriter, producer, and actor. He has won many awards over his career, including 11 Grammy Awards, an Academy Award, a Tony Award, and an Emmy Award – making him one of only 15 people to have won all four major entertainment awards.
But before all the fame and success, John Legend was just an aspiring musician studying at college like many other young people. So where exactly did John Legend pursue his higher education?
Where Did John Legend Attend College?
John Legend attended the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia, PA for college. He graduated from UPenn in 1999 at the age of 20, magna cum laude with a bachelor’s degree in English and African-American literature.
John Legend had a remarkable academic career at UPenn. He served as president and musical director of the co-ed jazz and pop a cappella group Counterparts.
He was also inducted into the prestigious Sphinx Senior Society. After graduating, John Legend went by his birth name John Stephens before later adopting the stage name John Legend.
High School Background
Before attending UPenn, John Legend went to North High School in Springfield, Ohio. He graduated as salutatorian of his class in 1997. John Legend demonstrated his musical talents from a young age, teaching himself to play the piano by age 4. By high school, he was already performing in local establishments and contests.
John Legend was an excellent student who achieved academic success. He scored a 1520 on the SATs and finished in the top 20 of his graduating class with a 5.7 GPA. His academic achievements enabled him to gain admission into a prestigious university like UPenn.
What Did John Legend Study at UPenn?
At UPenn, John Legend pursued a dual degree in English and African-American literature. His studies focused on literature, writing, history, and African-American culture.
English Degree
For his English degree, John Legend studied English literature and poetry by renowned writers like Shakespeare, Chaucer, Faulkner, and Morrison.
He analyzed literary techniques like symbolism, characterization, and rhetorical devices. John Legend sharpened his writing skills and practiced critical analysis of fiction and nonfiction works.
African-American Literature Degree
John Legend’s African-American literature degree explored the works of famous black authors through history and their impacts. Some examples of the material covered likely included:
- Slave narratives like Frederick Douglass’ autobiography
- Harlem Renaissance writers like Langston Hughes and Zora Neale Hurston
- Influential black novelists like Ralph Ellison, James Baldwin, Toni Morrison
- Works of influential black poets, playwrights and essayists
- The evolution of African-American literary styles and movements
This degree helped John Legend appreciate his black heritage and the contributions of African-Americans to literature and culture.
Student Life at UPenn
In addition to a rigorous academic schedule, John Legend was highly involved in extracurricular activities at UPenn.
A Cappella Group
John Legend was president and music director for the UPenn a cappella group Counterparts. The R&B/pop vocal group included 12 members, mostly UPenn students. Legend arranged music and choreographed dances for their performances around campus and competitions.
Sphinx Senior Society
John Legend was inducted into the Sphinx Senior Society, UPenn’s historic honorary society recognizing African-American seniors for high achievement. Membership in this society provided opportunities for networking and community service.
Ivy League Education
As an UPenn student, John Legend received an elite Ivy League education. He likely took advantage of the university’s many resources, guest lectures, cultural events, and alumni network. The rigorous Ivy League academics prepared him for later success.
Urban Setting
UPenn’s urban Philadelphia location enabled John Legend to be near a thriving cultural, arts, and entertainment scene. The city likely inspired his musical development and songwriting.
How Did John Legend’s College Years Influence His Career?
John Legend’s college experience at UPenn was formative in shaping the GRAMMY-award winning artist he became.
Shaped Musical Style
Being music director of an a cappella group improved John Legend’s composing talents. His studies of English and African-American literature influenced the narrative style of his songwriting.
Strengthened Social Conscience
Learning about African-American history and culture contributed to John Legend’s music addressing social justice issues like inequality, poverty, and criminal justice reform.
Networking Opportunities
While at UPenn, John Legend likely network with talented students and accessed resources to help launch his music career after graduating.
Refined Intellectual Interests
John Legend’s Ivy League education nourished his intellectual curiosity beyond just music, as evidenced by his interest in social activism and technological entrepreneurship.
Well-Rounded Perspective
The multicultural campus environment and rigorous academics gave John Legend a well-rounded perspective that impacts his artistry and public persona.
John Legend’s Other Education
Before matriculating at UPenn, John Legend cultivated his passion for music and singing:
- Began playing piano at age 4, taught by his grandmother
- Sang gospel music in church as a child
- Attended North High School in Springfield, OH involved in choir and theater performances
- Competed nationally in choir contests, intellectual clubs, and chess tournaments
From a young age, John Legend pursued every educational opportunity to nurture his talents.
Further Studies at UPenn
After completing his dual bachelor’s degree, John Legend stayed at UPenn for his master’s degree:
- Received a Master’s Degree in 1999 from UPenn’s Anderson School of Management
- Majored in business administration, focused on management and entrepreneurship
This business education complemented his undergrad liberal arts background.
Education Connections
John Legend maintains ongoing ties to his alma mater UPenn:
- Received honorary doctorates from UPenn in 2014 and Dillard University in 2010
- Delivered UPenn’s commencement speech in 2014 to share his life experiences
- Visits UPenn periodically to speak and meet with students
- Remains engaged with UPenn as an alumnus, giving guest lectures
Education clearly enriched John Legend’s life, as evidenced by his continued connection to UPenn.
Where John Legend Lives Now
John Legend resides primarily in Los Angeles, California with his family. Here are some details about his current living situation:
Beverly Hills Mansion
John Legend and wife Chrissy Teigen own a 10,700 square foot mansion in Beverly Hills purchased in 2016 for $14.1 million.
- 8 bedrooms, 11 bathrooms on a 1 acre property
- High-end amenities like an outdoor pool, chef’s kitchen, wine cellar
- Mediterranean style architecture with stucco exterior
- Tight security measures like surveillance cameras and guarded gate
- Convenient location near Hollywood, Bel Air, and Sunset Boulevard
The lavish property reflects John Legend’s wealth and success.
New York City Apartment
John Legend and Chrissy Teigen also own a penthouse apartment in Nolita, Manhattan in New York City bought in 2018 for $9 million.
- Located at 192 Elizabeth Street in trendy Nolita neighborhood
- Sprawling 4,350 square foot duplex with 3 bedrooms
- High-end finishes like walnut floors, marble bathrooms, custom lighting
- Panoramic city views through floor-to-ceiling windows
- Building amenities include doorman service, fitness center, playroom
This NYC home provides an upscale base when John is working on the East Coast.
European Villa
In 2020, John Legend and Chrissy Teigen purchased a $5.1 million villa in La Bagnaia, Italy near Florence.
- 8,500 square foot countryside villa on 4.5 acre estate
- Originally built in the 16th century, renovated modern interior
- 5 bedrooms, 8 bathrooms, guest house
- Lavish amenities like infinity pool, outdoor dining patio, wine cellar
- Picturesque views of surrounding Tuscan valley and landscape
The couple enjoys vacationing with their family at this countryside Italian villa.
John Legend’s Career and Awards
John Legend has achieved incredible success across music, film, and television. His notable career highlights and awards include:
Music Career
- Debut album “Get Lifted” (2004) won Best R&B Album Grammy
- Critically acclaimed “Once Again” album (2006)
- Multi-platinum pop album “Wake Up!” with The Roots (2010)
- Multi-Grammy winner including Song of the Year for “Ordinary People” (2005)
John Legend composes pop, R&B, and gospel infused music and is considered one of the most talented singer-songwriters of his generation.
Acting and Television
- Made Broadway debut acting in “Rent” musical in 2017, winning a Tony Award
- Won Emmy award for producing and starring in “Jesus Christ Superstar” live musical TV special (2018)
- Appeared as judge/mentor on reality shows “The Voice” and “Songland”
- Acted in several TV shows including “Curb Your Enthusiasm”, “Sesame Street”, “Big Mouth”
John Legend crossed over successfully into acting in both theater and television.
Film Work
- Won Academy Award for original song “Glory” with Common from film “Selma” (2015)
- Produced and wrote songs for film “La La Land” (2016) which won 6 Oscars
- Lent voice to animated films including “Soul” (2020)
John Legend contributed original music and production skills to acclaimed films.
Other Ventures
- Launched production company Get Lifted Film Co. in 2014
- Investor and advisor roles at technology startups like Lime, Robinhood, Level Health
- Active philanthropist supporting education, criminal justice reform, equality
John Legend extends his talents into business, technology, and social activism.
Conclusion
In summary, John Legend attended the prestigious University of Pennsylvania for his undergraduate education. At UPenn, he studied English and African-American literature while directing an a capella group.
The Ivy League education and experiences at UPenn helped shape John Legend’s musical talents and social conscience. After graduating magna cum laude in 1999, John Legend went on to achieve phenomenal success across music, film, television, and business – earning him an EGOT by age 39.
Yet through all his fame, John Legend still remains connected to his roots at UPenn that helped launch him to stardom. For aspiring musicians, John Legend’s path illustrates how a strong educational foundation can benefit creative pursuits.
His UPenn college years gave John Legend knowledge and skills that he carries with him throughout his illustrious, award-winning career.
FAQs About John Legend and College
Here are answers to 5 frequently asked questions about John Legend’s college background and education:
Where did John Legend graduate from?
John Legend graduated magna cum laude from the University of Pennsylvania in 1999 at age 20. He earned a bachelor’s degree with a dual major in English and African-American literature.
What activities was John Legend involved in at UPenn?
At UPenn, John Legend was the president and musical director of the a capella group Counterparts. He was also inducted into prestigious Sphinx Senior Society recognizing top African-American students.
What kind of student was John Legend?
John Legend was an excellent student in high school and received his bachelor’s degree magna cum laude from UPenn. He had a 5.7 GPA in high school and scored a 1520 on his SATs.
Did John Legend attend an Ivy League school?
Yes, John Legend attended the University of Pennsylvania, which is a member of the Ivy League. UPenn provided him with an elite education and opportunities.
Is John Legend still involved with UPenn?
John Legend maintains close ties with UPenn as an alumnus. He has delivered commencement speeches, earned honorary degrees in 2014, and periodically engages with students on campus.