John Legend has music on his mind even when hes asleep.
For Legend, the project represented a chance to put his distinctive stamp on a largely overlooked genre.
Having Sufjan Stevens produce the album was an inspired choice; hes an artist with such a singular reputation.
Courtesy of Columbia Records
How did you connect with him?
I told my manager about it, though I didnt think wed be able to pull it off.
But I said, Lets try!
Legend on stage at Chicago’s Union Center during the 2024 Democratic National Convention.
We arranged a time for us to FaceTime to talk about it.
What you hear on the album is all of his amazing ideas coming to life.
How do you usually capture your ideas?
Do you use the Voice Memo app on your phone?
Thats so common now.
I think in some ways its easier to make a concept album.
You have a clearer idea of what the end product is and you have more of an assignment.
Ive been writing for Broadway recently, which is more of an assignment, too.
Youre trying to serve the story and taking cues from the book writer and everything.
But the inspiration [forMy Favorite Dream] came from just being a dad.
So I took it on as a challenge to write new lullabies that could become classics.
So those were the thought-starters for the songs, and Id sit and write.
This is the first album I did by myself, with no co-writers.
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Would it be safe to say youre tinkling piano keys and just feeling out what sounds right?
But at the same time, you want to create something new, even though its informed.
Wheres the strangest place an idea has ever come to you?
The most interesting places are in my dreams.
I dream of songs sometimes and wake up and put them in my Voice Notes, too.
The album is dedicated to, and inspired by, your kids, who also make a cameo.
Did you know right off the bat that you wanted to involve them?
So I thought this would be the perfect song for them.
Was it fun for them, or were they nervous?
They were probably a little nervous.
Youre also known for yourinspired covers.Whats the key to a good one?
Thats what kind of elevates it, and makes it interesting musically.
Well, it was all pretty last-minute.
Legend on stage at Chicagos Union Center during the 2024 Democratic National Convention.
What was the energy like in the room?
It felt so good, it was electric.
I liked watching the video because you’ve got the option to see everybody dancing.
Everybody was having a good time, and we wanted it to feel celebratory.
Everybody keeps using the word joy, but it really was a joyful scene there.
We wanted the song to keep that spirit going.
Everybody has a Prince story.
So I was invited to his show at Madison Square Garden and he had an after-party at B.B.
Kings in New York.
You know him; he played his full show and then played the after-party, too.
It was right on brand.
This conversation has been edited and condensed.
