So tonight John Legend visited my campus to make a speech about his "Show Me" Campaign which aims to end poverty, especially in Africa, as well as insight on the decline of education in America! I of course attended this because it deals closely with a class I'm taking this semester (Social Problems) so I wanted to get insight on this topic from an entertainer I admire. Note, I would be lying if I didn't say I was partly fueled to attend because he was performing a small set of songs :D
His speech was informative and powerful, he spoke on how the education in America is falling way behind that of other established nations. He also spoke about the different types of programs aimed to help low performing schools (especially those of minorities and low income neighborhoods). John Legend is definitely on his Alicia Keys, Wycleff Jean, Michael Jackson grind (a.k.a. Really Good Philanthropy), and as a fan of his I definitely was unaware how involved he was! He definitely sparked something in me to want to be a better musician as well as PERSON! Definitely check out all the good he is doing outside of making beautiful music (click the "Show Me" link above).
Now to the Music (Does my #happydance)
As you may or may not know, John Legend is 1/5 of my favorite male R&B/Soul singers (Anthony Hamilton, Jaheim, Maxwell, Musiq Soulchild - are the others) and I was so happy to see him perform for the first time... even though this wasn't a full concert or set, I still was UbEr ExCiTeD! =)
He opened the night with a remake of Bob Marley's "Redemption Song" which was dedicated to Haiti. he then gave his speech. After his speech he gave us a mini concert, the songs were;
Save Room
Motherless Child
Shining (New Song)
Everybody Knows
This Time
Good Morning
Ordinary People
The links above are not from tonight's show, I wish I had recorded some of it... but it's whatever! He sounded awesome and it was an intimate set with just him, the piano, love and lyrics!
*The picture is of John in Tanzania with his "Show Me" campaign*
