John Legend reveals the story behind his stage name

His real name is John Stephens

John Legend with Hits Radio's Fleur East and James Barr
Author: Anna Sky MagliolaPublished 22nd Sep 2022

The very talented John Legend joined Fleur East, James and Matt on Hits Radio Breakfast to talk about his amazing new single 'All She Wanna Do'.

The singer, whose real name is John Stephens, also opened up about the story behind his stage name and why he decided to name his eighth album after himself, 'Legend'.

Watch our full interview with John Legend:

What is John Legend's real name?

A lot of artists change their name for the stage, so John explained the story behind his stage name, saying John Legend was a nickname, but he had some reservations about using it.

"Legend was a nickname that some of my friends started calling me, because I reminded them of those old skool artists that we grew up listening to."

He went on to say: "They started calling me John Legend, the nickname just kind of stuck, and so at some point, I had to decide that this nickname, that was just among a few friends, was going to extend to be a stage name, and I was hesitant because who calls themselves a legend before they even have a record deal?!"

John continued: "But I was like, I’m not going to be afraid of calling myself this, afraid that it’s not going to work out, afraid that I’m not going to be able to make the music that I love, and that I’m proud of.

"I’m just going to claim it, better myself and then go out there and try and live up to this lofty name that I’ve given myself. So that’s what I’ve been trying to do for the last two decades."

John Legend's album 'Legend'

John released his latest album on 9th September, and he told us he's been working on it for around 18 months and couldn't wait for his fans to hear it, which is why he decided to release a double album.

"I just feel like this album is so much of who I am," he explained. "I’ve poured so much love and all my inspirations and all my influences into this album, and I was ready to say, this is me, this is my album."

You can hear John Legend's fantastic songs on Hits Radio.

When is John Legend on Hits Radio?

John Legend was on Hits Radio on Thursday 22nd September, during the Hits Radio Breakfast show with Fleur East, which starts at 6am.

How can I listen back to the interview with John Legend?

You can listen back to our interview with John Legend below, through our website or app, which is available to download for iPhone or Android.

How to listen to Hits Radio Breakfast with Fleur East

You can listen to Hits Radio Breakfast with Fleur East every weekday from 6am until 10am on Hits Radio. See all the different ways you can listen below.

How to listen to Hits Radio through your smart speaker

You can listen to Hits Radio through your smart speaker, just say 'play Hits Radio'.

How to download the Hits Radio app

You can download the free Hits Radio app for both iPhone and Android.

How to listen to Hits Radio

You can find Hits Radio on FM and DAB. You can also listen right here on our website, download our free app for iPhone or Android, or ask your smart speaker to 'play Hits Radio'.

Take a look through some of the best albums released this year:

The Weeknd - 'Dawn FM'

On Friday 7th January, we were graced with brand new music from The Weeknd, in the form of his fifth studio album 'Dawn FM'. The album featured fellow huge names such as Lil Wayne, Tyler The Creator and even comedian Jim Carrey.

Years & Years' Olly Alexander - 'Night Call'

After Years & Years announced that they would be continuing as an Olly Alexander solo project, we couldn't WAIT to hear what the singer had in stall for us all! After a delayed release, the day finally came on 21st January when his solo album 'Night Call' was officially released - and it's safe to say it's full of BOPS!

Avril Lavigne - 'Love Sux'

Yep, that's right - Avril is officially back! After teasing that she had a new album on the way last year, the one and only Avril Lavigne released her seventh studio album 'Love Sux' on 25th February 2022.


The 'Sk8er Boi' legend has even teamed up with artists such as Machine Gun Kelly and blink-182's Mark Hoppus on some of the new tracks.

James Arthur - 'It'll All Make Sense In The End' Deluxe album

James Arthur released his fourth studio album 'It'll All Make Sense In The End' in November 2021, but went on to gift us with the deluxe edition of the album, containing six new tracks, on 11th March.

Ella Henderson - 'Everything I Didn't Say'

Ella Henderson also treated us all on 11th March 2022, releasing her second album 'Everything I Didn't Say'. This was the singer's first album release since her debut 'Chapter One' way back in 2014!

Camila Cabello

Camila Cabello released her third solo album 'Familia' on 8th April. The singer had previously revealed the track list of her album which includes songs in English and Spanish, including her hit song 'Bam Bam' with Ed Sheeran.


She addressed her fans in a video on social media when the album dropped saying: "I'm so proud of it and I'm so happy that you guys get to hear it now."

Jack Harlow - 'Come Home The Kids Miss You'

On 6th May 2022, Jack Harlow released his highly anticipated second studio album 'Come Home The Kids Miss You', after amping up the excitement with his HUGE track 'First Class', which sampled Fergie's 2006 hit 'Glamorous'.

Harry Styles - 'Harry's House'

Following the success of his first two albums, former One Direction star Harry Styles has fans buzzing when he announced his hugely-anticipated third album 'Harry's House', which he released on 20th May.

The album includes huge tracks such as 'As It Was', 'Daylight' and 'Music For a Sushi Restaurant'.

Tate McRae

Tate McRae made the exciting announcement that she would be bringing out debut album following her successful singles 'she's all I wanna be' and 'chaotic' earlier this year. She released 'I used to think I could fly' on 27th May.

George Ezra - ‘Gold Rush Kid’

George Ezra has certainly had an exciting year, releasing his playful track 'Anyone For You', and 'Green Green Grass'.


The singer later delighted fans even more with the release of his album 'Gold Rush Kid', which was released on 10th June 2022.

Mabel 'About Last Night...'

Mabel released her second studio album 'About Last Night...' on 15th July 2022 - three years after her debut 'High Expectations' - and it's safe to say that fans LOVE IT!

Demi Lovato 'Holy Fvck'

Demi Lovato returned with their new song 'Skin Of My Teeth' on 10th June, following on with their eighth studio album 'Holy Fvck' which came out on 9th August.

John Legend 'Legend'

John released his self-titled album 'Legend' on 9th September. He told us: "I just feel like this album is so much of who I am. I've poured so much love and all my inspirations and all my influences into this album, and I was ready to say, this is me, this is my album."

Callum Beattie

Callum Beattie is following up his hugely successful 2020 album 'People Like Us' with his 2022 album 'Vandals'. The album will come out on 28th October, following the singer releasing his song 'Heart Stops Beating' in July.

Olly Murs

Olly Murs has announced his seventh album, 'Marry Me', will be released on 2nd December 2022! Taking to Twitter, the 'Heart Skips A Beat' hitmaker shared a photo of the album artwork, writing: 'MARRY ME 💒 02.12.22 My brand new album is available to pre-order/ pre-save and pre-add NOW. I'm absolutely buzzing for you to hear this one. It's genuinely the best music I've ever done! The 1st single 'Die of a Broken Heart' is out today so make sure to give it a listen.'

Rihanna

It's no secret that the world is pretty much begging for new RiRi music. Despite Rihanna giving off various hints that her ninth album will be with us very soon, it appears she may have other things on her mind at the minute, as she has become a mum for the first time!


Despite fans thinking this would put a hold on any new music, she did reveal in December 2021 that 'R9' would be with us 'soon, soon, soon' - later joking: "Yes, you're still going to get music from me," adding: "My fans would kill me if they waited this long for a lullaby!" So, we're still holding out hope...

Cardi B

Fans have been desperate for more Cardi B music since the release of her HUGE tracks 'WAP' and 'Up' in 2021. The singer announced that she would be taking time away in order to work on new music, and revealed at the end of last year that she is hoping to release her second album in 2022!

Saweetie

Saweetie's debut album, titled 'Pretty B-tch Music' was originally set for release in 2021, after she teased fans with singles such as 'Tap In', 'Back to the Streets' featuring Jhené Aiko, and 'Best Friend' featuring Doja Cat.


The album is now set to be released in 2022, with Saweetie deciding to reconstruct the songs. We can't wait!

Dua Lipa

Although we don't know if it will be out in 2022, Dua Lipa's third album is expected soon. Back in May 2022, the singer said that her album was 50% finished.

Lewis Capaldi

After enjoying MAJOR success with his debut album 'Divinely Uninspired to a Hellish Extent', Lewis Capaldi was keen to take some time away in order to work on his second album.


While fans were hoping the album would come out in 2022, Lewis confirmed that 'Broken By Desire To Be Heavenly Sent' will come out on 19th May 2023. We did, however, get to hear new music from him on 9th Septmeber when he released his single 'Forget Me'.

How to connect with Hits Radio

You can follow us on social media for all the latest from Hits Radio.

TikTok: @hitsradiouk

Instagram: @hitsradiouk

Facebook: facebook.com/hitsradiouk

Twitter: @hitsradiouk

YouTube: HitsRadio

Now read:

Elton John reveals how his collab with Britney Spears came about 🌹🚀

Albums we are loving in 2022 🔥

Singers who changed their names for the stage

How to listen to Hits Radio:

Turn it up with Hits Radio! Home of Fleur East, Sam Thompson and Gemma Atkinson playing the biggest hits and the biggest throwbacks, alongside the biggest laughs and life-changing competitions. Tune in on FM, DAB, online, ask your Smart Speaker to 'Play Hits Radio' and download the Rayo app.