What is John Legend’s Net Worth?
John Legend is an American singer, songwriter, musician, and actor who has a net worth of approximately $75 million as of 2023. He is one of the most popular and successful artists of the 2000s and 2010s, having sold over 20 million albums worldwide.
Legend has won numerous awards including 11 Grammy Awards, an Academy Award, a Golden Globe Award, and a Tony Award, making him one of only 15 people to have won an Emmy, Grammy, Oscar and Tony (EGOT).
Legend first gained recognition for his critically acclaimed debut album Get Lifted in 2004, which featured the hit single “Ordinary People.” Since then, he has released seven studio albums that have spawned other hit singles like “All of Me,” “Green Light,” and “Love Me Now.” Aside from his music, Legend has also found success on television, in film, and on Broadway.
So how did John Legend get to a point where his net worth is estimated to be around $75 million? Where does his wealth come from? Let’s take a closer look at John Legend’s career, ventures, assets, and earnings over the years.
John Legend’s Music Career
John Legend’s music career is the primary source of his multi-million dollar net worth. He got his big break in the early 2000s after connecting with Kanye West and signing to West’s GOOD Music label. Legend’s debut album Get Lifted was released in 2004 and was a huge critical and commercial success, selling over 3 million copies worldwide. The album earned Legend his first three Grammy awards for Best New Artist, Best R&B Album, and Best Male R&B Vocal Performance.
Legend quickly followed up the success of Get Lifted with his sophomore album Once Again in 2006 and his third album Evolver in 2008. Evolver was Legend’s first number one album on the Billboard 200 charts and further cemented him as an R&B superstar. He also collaborated extensively with other top artists during this period, lending his vocals everywhere from Jay-Z to Britney Spears tracks.
In 2013, Legend released his fourth studio album Love in the Future which contained his biggest hit to date “All of Me.” The emotive piano ballad spent 3 weeks at number one on the Billboard Hot 100 and has gone on to become one of the best-selling singles worldwide with over 20 million units sold. The massive success of “All of Me” along with subsequent hits like “You & I” and “Made to Love” helped propel the Love in the Future album to sell over 2.5 million copies.
Legend has since released three more studio albums – Darkness and Light (2016), A Legendary Christmas (2018), and Bigger Love (2020). His Christmas album was particularly successful, peaking at number one on the holiday charts. Across his entire discography, John Legend has sold over 20 million albums and 75 million singles worldwide. Many of his songs continue to get frequent radio play and have become wedding/love anthems.
In terms of earnings, John Legend’s music and songwriting work has generated immense income over his 20+ year career. His album sales and streams likely account for tens of millions in revenue. He has also earned additional money from extensive touring – his “All of Me” world tour in 2014-2015 reportedly grossed over $30 million alone. And Legend earns royalties from radio play, features, and songwriting credits. Altogether, John Legend’s work in the music industry makes up the majority of his $75 million net worth.
Acting, Television & Broadway
Aside from his thriving music career, John Legend has also found major success in acting, television, and Broadway productions. His work across these mediums contributes significantly to his overall wealth.
Legend’s most prominent acting role has been on NBC’s Jesus Christ Superstar Live in Concert in 2018, where he took on the leading part of Jesus. He received unanimous praise from critics for his performance and earned a Primetime Emmy nomination for Outstanding Variety Special. Prior to that, Legend also acted in the 2016 film La La Land alongside Ryan Gosling and Emma Stone. La La Land went on to earnLegend his first Academy Award for Best Original Song for “City of Stars.”
On the television front, Legend has been a coach on The Voice since Season 16 in 2019. His salary on the show is estimated at around $5 million per season. He has so far coached contestants across four seasons of the show. Additionally, Legend played a role in ABC’s 2018 production of Jesus Christ Superstar and served as a judge/producer on Songland.
Beyond acting and TV, John Legend also co-produced and acted in the Broadway revival of Jitney in 2017. Legend’s theater involvement has added to his earnings and net worth over time.
Combined with his music ventures, Legend’s acting and television work has further grown his brand and popularity. These endeavors likely make up a meaningful portion of his $75 million net worth.
Investments, Endorsements & Business Ventures
Aside from music and entertainment, John Legend has also earned a substantial amount from investments, endorsement deals, and business ventures that tap into his star power.
Legend has invested in several high-growth startups across technology, food, and other consumer sectors. Some of his portfolio companies include plant-based food company jesta foods, software company Triple Thread, and financial services provider DriveWealth. He also owns equity stake in direct-to-consumer shoe company Sperry.
On the endorsement side, John Legend has partnered with brands like Google, Ralph Lauren, Sperry, and Vrigin Wines among others. The financial details of these deals are generally kept private but likely result in millions in sponsorship income for the celebrity.
Legend has also launched some of his own business ventures like his skincare line Keys Soulcare and wine company LVE (Legend Vineyard Exclusive). He additionally opened a Los Angeles restaurant called Shed in 2021 in collaboration with chef Chris Barnum. These entrepreneurial efforts contribute to both his bottom line and his $75 million net worth.
Between smart investments, lucrative sponsorships, and unique business ventures, John Legend has been able to grow and diversify his income streams well beyond just music and entertainment.
Real Estate Portfolio
Like many wealthy celebrities, John Legend has an impressive real estate portfolio that adds to his $75 million net worth.
Legend has owned a number of lavish homes over the years. In 2012, he purchased a 2,400 square foot condo in New York City’s Little Italy for $2.5 million. In 2014, he and wife Chrissy Teigen bought a Beverly Hills mansion for $14.1 million, which they later sold in 2016 for $14.1 million. The couple then upgraded to a larger 10,700 square foot Beverly Hills home for $17.5 million in 2016.
Most recently in 2020, Legend and Teigen purchased a 10,700 square foot Beverly Hills mansion for $17.5 million, which stands as their current family home. Combined, the value of all these real estate transactions likely totals upwards of $30 million after accounting for any profits from home sales.
On top of his personal residences, John Legend also owns a number of investment properties and vacations homes. This includes a 7,100 square foot ski lodge in Park City, Utah purchased for $5 million.
In total, the extensive real estate portfolio under John Legend’s name contributes to the singer’s sizable personal wealth. Even with the occasional home sale, his real estate holdings represent millions in equity and assets.
How Does John Legend Spend His Money?
With a net worth approaching $100 million, John Legend has plenty of money to spend on luxury goods, top experiences, and an overall lavish lifestyle.
Much of his spending goes towards maintaining his real estate portfolio, like the millions invested into his Beverly Hills mansions. This covers mortgage payments, renovations, property taxes, maintenance, and staffing.
Legend also spends extensively on travel, frequently flying private and staying in 5-star hotels with his family. For transportation, he owns several luxurious vehicles like a Rolls-Royce Ghost and Tesla Model S.
The musician also splurges on fashion, with much of his wardrobe consisting of designer brands like Gucci, Versace, and Tom Ford. He and wife Chrissy Teigen are also known to buy fine jewelry and watches from Tiffany & Co, Cartier, and other upscale jewelers.
For recreation, Legend enjoys going out to expensive restaurants and bars in cities like Los Angeles, Las Vegas, Miami, and New York. He also attends various live sports and entertainment events.
Additionally, as a parent of two children, Legend spends on providing his kids with elite private schooling and enrichment activities. He also leaves ample budget for family vacations to spots like Italy, France, Thailand, and the Caribbean where they can relax in luxury.
While John Legend lives an undeniably lavish lifestyle, he is also mindful about giving back. He and Chrissy Teigen are known supporters of charitable causes like improving access to education and social justice reform. Legend even launched a philanthropic organization called the Show Me Campaign to break down barriers and provide more opportunities to families.
Real Estate:
John Legend owns several lavish homes across the United States:
- 10,700 square foot Beverly Hills mansion purchased in 2020 for $17.5 million (current residence)
- 7,100 square foot ski lodge in Park City, Utah purchased for $5 million
- Previously owned a 2,400 square foot NYC condo purchased for $2.5 million
- Previously owned a 14,000 square foot Beverly Hills mansion purchased for $14.1 million and sold for the same price
His real estate portfolio likely makes up a significant portion of his net worth and assets.
Cars:
Some of the cars John Legend owns and drives include:
- Rolls-Royce Ghost (costs $300,000+)
- Tesla Model S (costs $90,000+)
- Audi R8 Spyder (costs $180,000+)
Family:
John Legend has been married to model and television personality Chrissy Teigen since 2013. They have two children together – daughter Luna Simone (born 2016) and son Miles Theodore (born 2018).
Charity & Philanthropy:
John Legend actively supports the following charitable foundations and causes:
- Show Me Campaign – His own foundation focused on expanding opportunity and equality through education, criminal justice reform, and community building initiatives
- The Robin Hood Foundation – Combats poverty in New York City
- Artists for Peace and Justice – Funds schools and education programs in impoverished areas
- (RED) – Raises money and awareness for HIV/AIDS prevention and treatment
Fun Facts About John Legend:
- His real name is John Roger Stephens – he adopted the stage name “Legend” later in his career.
- He became a star student at the University of Pennsylvania, graduating at just 20 years old.
- Legend met his wife Chrissy Teigen for the first time on the set of his music video “Stereo” in 2007.
- He won his first Grammy in 2006 for his collaboration on Kanye West’s “They Say” for Best Rap/Sung Collaboration.
- Legend was the second youngest person ever to achieve EGOT status (Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, Tony) at age 39.
- Both of his children have musical middle names – Luna “Simone” and Miles “Theodore.”
- He served as a judge on the 2018 revival of Star Search, 21 years after competing on the show as a high schooler.
Conclusion
With over 20 million albums sold, a flourishing career in television and film, multiple lucrative investments and businesses, and an extensive real estate portfolio, John Legend has accumulated a personal net worth of approximately $75 million.
He first found fame and initial success in the 2000s as an R&B singer and songwriter, quickly catapulting into stardom with award-winning albums and chart-topping singles like “Ordinary People” and “Green Light.” However, his career reached new heights upon releasing the mega-hit “All of Me” in 2013, which has now become one of the best-selling singles of all time.
On top of music, Legend proved his talents through acclaimed acting performances, as a coach on The Voice, and as a producer for Broadway and television. He also tapped into his business acumen through brands like LVE Wines and Keys Soulcare. These diverse income streams have allowed the EGOT winner to build immense wealth over his 20+ year career.
While he lives an undeniably lavish lifestyle with luxurious homes, cars, and vacations, John Legend has not lost sight of philanthropy either. Along with family life with wife Chrissy Teigen and their two kids, he remains grounded through charitable foundations and donations.
With his smooth vocals, musical versatility, acting chops, and sharp business sense, John Legend has cultivated both fame and fortune few can match. And at just 44 years old, he still likely has many more years of success and wealth accumulation ahead of him.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) on John Legend’s Net Worth
Q: What is John Legend’s current net worth?
A: John Legend’s net worth is estimated to be around $75 million as of 2023.
Q: How did John Legend get so rich and famous?
A: Legend became rich and famous primarily through his hugely successful music career as a chart-topping R&B singer and songwriter. He’s sold over 20 million albums worldwide and had major hits like “All of Me” and “Tonight.” His work in television, film, and business has also added to his wealth.
Q: What was John Legend’s breakthrough moment?
A: John Legend’s big breakout moment was the release of his debut album Get Lifted in 2004. The critically acclaimed album sold over 3 million copies and earned Legend his first three Grammy awards.
Q: How much money does John Legend make from The Voice?
A: While his exact salary is not known, it is estimated John Legend earns around $5 million per season as a coach on NBC’s The Voice. He’s coached contestants on four seasons so far.
Q: What was John Legend’s biggest hit song?
A: Without a doubt, John Legend’s biggest hit to date is the song “All of Me” from 2013. The emotional piano ballad spent 3 weeks at #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 and sold over 20 million units worldwide.
Q: Is John Legend married and does he have kids?
A: Yes, John Legend has been married to model Chrissy Teigen since 2013. They have two children together – daughter Luna born in 2016 and son Miles born in 2018.
Q: What awards has John Legend won?
A: Among many others, John Legend has won 11 Grammy Awards, 1 Academy Award for Best Original Song, 1 Golden Globe Award, and 1 Tony Award. He’s achieved coveted EGOT status (Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, Tony).
Q: Does John Legend own LVE Wines?
A: Yes, John Legend launched his own wine company called LVE Wines that produces a variety of red, white, and sparkling wines from Napa Valley. The LVE stands for Legend Vineyard Exclusive.
Q: What charity work does John Legend do?
A: John Legend supports several philanthropic foundations like the Show Me Campaign, (RED), Robin Hood Foundation, and Artists for Peace and Justice. He focuses on expanding opportunity through education.