Phyllis Elaine is best known as the mother of John Legend, who is an American singer, songwriter, actor, and producer. He began his musical career by working behind the scenes; playing piano on Lauryn Hill’s “Everything Is Everything”, and making uncredited guest appearances on Jay-Z’s “Encore”, and Alicia Keys’s “You Don’t Know My Name”.
He then signed to Kanye West’s GOOD Music and released his debut album Get Lifted (2004), which reached the top ten on the Billboard 200, and was certified double platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America. Who Is Phyllis Elaine, John Legend’s Mother?
Phyllis Elaine, John Legend’s Mother
Phyllis Elaine, John Legend’s mother, died on Tuesday, March 24, at the age of 68. John Legend is one of the most successful musicians of our time. He has won 10 Grammy Awards, an Oscar, and a Golden Globe. He is also a dedicated philanthropist and social activist.
But before he was any of those things, he was simply Phyllis’ son. Phyllis Elaine was born in Ohio in 1952. She was a loving wife and mother to John and his two siblings. She instilled in her children the importance of education and hard work.
Legend has spoken often about how much his mother sacrificed for her family. She worked multiple jobs to make ends meet and ensure that her children had everything they needed.
“She was always working, always hustling,” Legend told Oprah Winfrey in a 2018 interview. “She never complained about it. She just did what she had to do.”
Phyllis Elaine was a strong and proud woman who devoted her life to her family. She will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.
John Legend Jokes ‘It’s Good for My Ego’
It should come as no surprise that John Legend and Chrissy Teigen’s children are surrounded by music.
The 12-time Grammy winner, 43 — who kicked off his Las Vegas residency, Love in Las Vegas, on Friday night — said that oftentimes his tunes are at the top of his kids’ list.
“It’s good for my ego that my kids want to listen to me a lot,” he jokingly tells PEOPLE. “They love other artists too, but in the car they’ll request me a lot.”
But while Miles, 3, ranks dad as his favorite singer, the same can’t be said for Luna, 6. “Luna likes a lot of girl pop and R&B,” Legend says. “She likes Rihanna, Ariana Grande, Selena Gomez and people like that. Chrissy and Luna’s tastes are similar.”
He adds, “Miles, honestly, if you ask him who his favorite artist is, it’s me. I’m probably second or third for Luna.”
With the opening of the Legends showroom in Las Vegas, which just hosted its first performance last week, you have the opportunity to watch him at his 24-show residency.
Legend performs not only his own songs, but also tunes he’s been featured in throughout the years and others that motivated him when backed by an 18-person choir and band. His version of Simon & Garfunkel’s “Bridge Over Troubled Water” is quite affecting. He also includes new material on this concert, which will be unveiled on a future album. “It’s an epic show. I love it,” Legend says. “I’ve never done a show this big, but you know, we had to do it big for Vegas.”