The LP went on to win three Grammy Awards in 2006 for Best R&B Album, Best R&B Male Vocal Performance, and the coveted Best New Artist honor. In 2004, Legend released his official debut album Get Lifted to critical acclaim, thanks in part to the hit single "Ordinary People," a song which he originally wrote for the Black Eyed Peas. Legend was performing as an independent artist and distributing both his self-titled demo album (2000) and Live At Jimmy's Uptown (2001) when he was introduced by his college roommate to the then-emerging hip-hop artist Kanye West, who signed Legend as the first artist on his Getting Out Our Dreams (G.O.O.D.) label. Helping his exposer, he was also making the rounds on the nightclub circuit in New York City, Philadelphia, and Washington, D.C. It was during this time when Legend met hip-hop and R&B artist Lauryn Hill, who gave him his first big break by asking him to play the piano on her hit single "Everything is Everything" (1998). While in college, Legend put in time honing his budding music career by recording CDs with an a capella group, performing solo at various talent shows and open mic nights, and working as the music and choir director at Bethel A.M.E. He attended Springfield North High School, where he graduated as salutatorian at age 16, before going off to attend the University of Pennsylvania as an English major. At an early age, Legend started playing gospel and classical piano under the tutelage of his grandmother. This social conscience led to Legend's greatest success, co-writing the Academy Award-winning "Glory" with rapper Common for the soundtrack to the civil rights drama "Selma (2014).
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Instead of shooting for a blend of soul, pop, and hip-hop as he did in his first release, the Grammy Award-winning singer headed for a more innovative, adult contemporary direction on Once Again, which featured the catchy mid-tempo "Save Room" and the rock-laced song "Stereo." Legend showcased his political convictions and maturing sound on albums such as Wake Up! (2010), a collaboration with hip-hop group The Roots and a solid effort from an undeniably versatile musician and vocal powerhouse. The album marked the first time that mainstream music lovers heard Legend's smooth vocals bringing a certain suavity to hip-hop soul, most notably in the hit single "Ordinary People." Legend's sophomore release, Once Again (2006), exceeded the commercial and critical success that he enjoyed with his first album. John Legend's brand of classy, soulful and politically-engaged music filled a niche on the contemporary R&B scene, beginning with his critically successful debut album Get Lifted (2004).