Born and raised in Springfield, Ohio, John Roger Stephens—known by his stage name, John Legend—demonstrated his musical talent at age four. But he was also a highly successful student, enrolling at the University of Pennsylvania at 16, then landing a job at Boston Consulting Group after graduation. The workload didn’t prevent him from recording music: under the name John Legend, he released his debut album, Get Lifted, in 2004 on Kanye West’s record label. It won the 2006 Grammy Award for Best R&B album. Over the past two decades Legend has become nothing less than a superstar, and has appeared in feature films, television shows, and, of course, on the top of Billboard’s charts. Now he’s releasing a studio album of children’s music, produced by the singer Sufjan Stevens. The subject matter may be directed at kids, but Legend’s artistry can be appreciated by all. —Jack Sullivan