John Legend plays ‘Get Lifted’ 20th anniversary show at Chastain Park
Singer and musician John Legend just wanted to throw a party and have a good time with fans at Synovus Bank Amphitheater at Chastain Park on Friday.
Legend — who became the first Black male performer to earn EGOT status in 2018 for winning Emmys, Grammys, an Oscar and Tony Award — performed a 20th anniversary concert for his 2004 debut album, “Get Lifted.” The album’s production combined hip-hop, pop, soul, gospel and classical music.
For two hours, the Ohio-born baritone and pianist performed “Get Lifted” in its entirety with a full band. Legend, who was the first artist to be signed to producer and rapper Kanye West’s record label G.O.O.D. Music, told backstories about his family, being raised in church, musicianship, collaborations with artists and the creative process.
In an interview with UATL, Legend said the “Get Lifted” album reflects what was happening in his personal and professional life at the time.
“I was a young bachelor living in New York City when I started making the album, so I wrote the songs from that perspective along with growing up in the Midwest, spending time in Philly during the neo-soul movement (of the late ’90s and early 2000s), being influenced by gospel and soul music,” Legend said.
“Signing with Kanye really changed my life because his star was ascending. Right after (his debut album) ‘The College Dropout’ came out (in 2004), everybody was so excited about what we were doing as a camp. It got my career off to a great start.”
Legend has expanded “Get Lifted” into a film production company and book publishing imprint.
He said the “Get Lifted” tour is an appreciation to his listeners and a reminder of his evolution in entertainment and business.
“This is the album that started it all. A lot of my day one fans have been coming to my shows, and I keep hearing (from them) it was their favorite album in college or high school. Now, they’re coming to the show to celebrate something that means a lot to all of us,” he said.
“It’s about elevation, aspiring for something greater and having optimism, because we can work together to make things better.”
Legend’s set included his subsequent hits like “Green Light,” “All of Me,” “Slow Dance” and “Ooh Laa.” His backup band performed cover versions of the Beatles’ “I Want You (She’s So Heavy),” Outkast’s “SpottieOttieDopaliscious” and the Staple Singers’ “Let’s Do It Again.”
He invited three Atlanta hip-hop artists to join him throughout the evening.
Killer Mike performed “Shed Tears” and his verse on the remix to Legend’s “Let’s Get Lifted Again.” CeeLo Green sang a duet of “Ordinary People” with Legend on piano.
Ludacris joined Legend for their 2012 collaboration, “Tonight (Best You Ever Had).” The pianist praised Ludacris’ work ethic and lyricism.
“He’s my brother, and I appreciate him. He’s still one of the best featured guest rappers you can have, because he always understands the assignment so well, delivers memorable lines and sounds great on every record he’s a part of,” Legend said.
Last month, Legend performed at the David C. Driskell Prize gala at the High Museum of Art. The award supports Black artists, historians and is named in honor of the late visual artist and educator.
He appreciates Atlanta music lovers for regularly attending performances and singing along to his music.
“I always have a great time and feel such a sense of connection with the audience. It’s going to be another special night,” Legend said.
About the Author
Christopher A. Daniel is a Black Culture reporter for The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. He is an Atlanta-based, award-winning journalist, cultural critic and ethnomusicologist. He previously taught courses at Morehouse College, Clark Atlanta University and Georgia State University.
