In America we have big issues with education - in impoverished communities especially. I work with Teach For All, and so we're encouraging more people to get into teaching.
John LegendRead
Even with G.O.O.D. Music, we have artists that have done very well, and we've had artists that haven't. Being attached to Kanye is only going to get you so far. You've still got to have the records and the talent and the artistry on your own to carry it.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Talent and artistry are essential for success, even when associated with a high-profile brand or individual.
In John Legend's quote, he emphasizes that while being part of a successful label like G.O.O.D. Music can provide initial advantages, it is ultimately the individual's own talent, creativity, and hard work that determines long-term success. This highlights the importance of personal effort and skill in achieving one's goals, rather than relying solely on connections or fame.
Themes
SuccessTalentArtistryHard WorkG.O.O.D. Music
In practice
Example use cases
At a music industry conference to discuss the importance of independent talent.
More from John Legend
All quotes →Hip-hop is one of the most free art forms there is. There's so many sounds you can use, so many things you can bring in. You never know, man. I bet years ago people would've never said they would hear me with Rick Ross, and we did four classic songs together.
John LegendRead
For me as a songwriter, I love when other people cover my songs.
John LegendRead
To have the chance to see your music be elevated and to have almost universally positive response to that music, makes me feel better every day. I feel more confident and inspired, and that's fun.
John LegendRead
Why wouldn't I help? What good reason do I have as a human being with power and a sense of empathy and morality, why wouldn't I do something?
John LegendRead
I wrote the song "Show Me" as a prayer to God asking simple, honest questions about life and death and why there is so much suffering in the world. As I grew with the song I realized I shouldn't limit these questions solely to God; I should ask those questions of others and of myself.
John LegendRead
Similar quotes
When they [court announcers] say, 'This is the world No. 2,' it just doesn't sound right to me because either I'm No. 1 or I'm a grand slam champion. I'm not world No. 2. I just don't like the ring of it when I'm introduced on court because I've been up there for so, so long.
Roger FedererRead
It seems to me that self confidence and the ability to stand one's ground are essential if we want to succeed in life. I am not talking of stupid self-assurance but of an awareness of our inner potential, a certainty that we can always correct our behavior, improve ourselves, enrich ourselves, and that things are never hopeless
Dalai LamaRead
Here's what you should say [to an investor]: 'this is what my company does' It's that simple. What you're trying to do is get potential investors to fantasize about how your product or service will make a boatload of money. They can't fantasize if they don't know what you do.
Guy KawasakiRead
The trick is to make sure you don't die waiting for prosperity to come.
Lee IacoccaRead
As soon as I came to L.A., things immediately shifted for me. I was now actually here with the people who were making the decisions; I wasn't out in New York sending in tapes to L.A.
Chadwick BosemanRead
Sound strategy starts with having the right goal
Michael PorterRead