The Roots and John Legend's recent collaborative relationship is undoubtedly to the benefit of John Legend more so, since the Roots lend him a ready credibility he has been lacking since his label decided to market him to the Starbucks jazz crowd. But the Roots are getting a lot out of this too; I imagine they'll be the go-to producers for every soul/R&B singer who wants to get on that Donny Hathaway/Al Green shit in an authentic way. Above is video of the Roots and Legend performing Hathaway's "Little Ghetto Boy," which features a Black Thought verse out front and one of Legend's best vocal performances.
Legend and the Roots' Wake Up! is due out on Sept. 21.
John Legend will be the featured speaker at Hopelink's Reaching Out Luncheon Monday, October 18 in Bellevue, WA. Legend will speak about his philanthropic work and inspire with his music. Visit Hopelink's website for more information.
hlweb