John Legend, the legendary singer-songwriter and father of four, has spent the last 20 years building a musical legacy rooted in love. Known for his romantic ballads and wedding-worthy songs, Legend is now channeling the love of his family into a new and unique project—a children’s album titled My Favorite Dream.
Inspired by Family and Fans
Legend’s first children’s album was sparked by a viral Instagram video last November, where he performed a cover of “Maybe,” his 1-year-old daughter Esti’s favorite Fisher-Price song. The video gained widespread attention, with fans and the Mattel kids brand encouraging him to create a full children’s album. Legend embraced the idea, involving his wife Chrissy Teigen and their children in the creative process.
“My family’s so, so intrinsically involved in it because they’re the inspiration for it,” Legend, 45, shared about the family-centric project. The album, released on Friday, includes a soothing collection of kids’ sing-alongs and lullabies, featuring nine original tracks and five covers, including three Fisher-Price songs. Legend tested these tracks on his family, making them his “first focus group.”
Family Collaboration
Legend’s family didn’t just inspire the album; they also contributed directly to it. The lead single, “L-O-V-E,” features vocals from Teigen and their children, 6-year-old Miles and 8-year-old Luna, who also designed the song’s cover artwork. The album cover itself is a nostalgic throwback, featuring a photo of a young Legend, captured by his aunt Patricia Lloyd.
Music runs deep in the Legend household, and this album reflects that. Legend drew from the values he and Teigen have instilled in their children to craft songs that resonate with families. Indie-folk musician Sufjan Stevens produced the album, bringing a dreamy, whimsical quality to the project that Legend had envisioned.
A New Challenge
For Legend, creating My Favorite Dream was a refreshing challenge. While he had previously contributed music to projects like Sesame Street and SpongeBob SquarePants: The Broadway Musical, this was his first full-length children’s album. Legend embraced the opportunity to explore new creative territory, aiming to create music that parents would enjoy just as much as their children.
“I like to keep things interesting and challenging, and keep pushing myself to try new things,” Legend said, reflecting on the creative process. Despite the genre shift from his usual soulful R&B, Legend remained committed to maintaining the high musical standards that have defined his career.
A Timeless Vision
With My Favorite Dream, Legend hopes to create an album that stands the test of time, much like the music that has shaped his career. He believes the album offers something for every child, addressing themes of love, friendship, and imagination. As Legend prepares to celebrate the 20th anniversary of his debut album Get Lifted this December, he reflects on the freedom and creative growth that success has afforded him.
Looking ahead, Legend continues his journey with a fall tour, “An Evening with John Legend: A Night of Songs and Stories,” where he will revisit some of his greatest hits and share stories from his life and career. As he approaches the 10th album mark, Legend remains motivated to create timeless music that resonates across generations.
“We are fortunate when we make music that’s timeless,” Legend said. “Hopefully, My Favorite Dream will be that kind of album for the kids and families who love them.”
