John Roger Stephens (born December 28, 1978), professionally known as John Legend, is an American singer, songwriter, pianist, and record producer. He began his music career by working behind the scenes for other artists, playing piano on Lauryn Hill’s song “Everything Is Everything,” and performing as an uncredited backing vocalist on Jay-Z’s “Encore” and Alicia Keys’ “You Don’t Know My Name.” He was the first artist to sign with rapper Kanye West’s record label, GOOD Music, through which he released his debut studio album, Get Lifted (2004). The album’s first single, “Ordinary People,” helped the album reach the top ten of the Billboard 200 and earn double platinum certification from the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA).